A £1,000 catalytic converter has been stolen from a van.

Thieves removed the front nearside window of the white Mercedes Sprinter van which was parked on Broton Drive, Halstead, and reached in to pull the bonnet release.

They then accessed and removed the catalytic converter, causing £200 worth of damage in the theft which took place between 5.30pm and 6.30pm last Monday.

Police are urging vigilance and improved security, such as fitting antitheft devices, to ensure the district does not see a re-emergence of these crimes.