A CHIPPENHAM man has warned owners of the Toyota Prius model to be aware of thieves targetting the car for their catalytic converters.

Derek Boyle, 82, said he had his stolen when he parked in the Olympiad in the town last Friday. He said there is a safety device that can be fitted on the models from 2003-2009 but he wasn't aware of it until the theft.

Although he has been able to claim on insurance the bill to repair and replace the exhaust and converter comes to £1,500.

Thieves he said jack up the car and within minutes remove the converter which has valuable metals inside which can be sold. He reported the theft to police.