TWO teenagers were arrested by police this morning, when they executed a warrant in the fight against catalytic converter thefts. Two 18-year-old men, both from the Wisbech area, have been arrested on suspicion of theft from a vehi

TWO teenagers were arrested by police this morning, when they executed a warrant in the fight against catalytic converter thefts.

Two 18-year-old men, both from the Wisbech area, have been arrested on suspicion of theft from a vehicle and are currently being held at Wisbech police station.

A number of catalytic converters were seized when the warrant was carried out in Kirkham's Lane, Wisbech, at 7.40am this morning (Thursday).

A police spokeswoman said that, currently, she could not comment further on the warrant.

The warrant was carried out as police released details of another attempted theft of a catalytic converter and assault, occasioning actual bodily harm, which happened in Regent Avenue, March, on Tuesday.

Three men were disturbed trying to remove the catalytic converter from a car parked in the street and, when the car owner challenged the men, he was punched in the face.

The first man is described as aged 20-25, 5ft 11in tall, thin with light-coloured short hair. He was wearing a dark tracksuit.

The second man is described as white and wearing a black scarf around his face, as well as dark clothing and gloves.

Police said the third man was carrying a shiny item, possibly a knife.

The spokeswoman said: "Anyone with any information is asked to contact the CIMU at March Police Station on 0845 456 4564 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."

Last month, police in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Lincolnshire announced a cross-county crackdown on thefts of catalytic converters, which reduce a car's toxic emissions.

Police said as many as 10 catalytic converters are stolen every night in the Wisbech area, as thieves target three precious metals - platinum, palladium and rhodium - inside them. The international price of these metals has risen by 67 per cent, 200 per cent and 600 per cent respectively over the past two years.

Four-by-four vehicles and people carriers have been targeted because the vehicles' ground clearance is greater than on other types of cars.

Police research carried out last month suggested that a competent thief can remove a catalytic converter in about six minutes.

Speaking last month, Det Insp Martin Brunning said: "While officers are doing all they can to prevent thefts and identify the thieves, vehicle owners must be vigilant about this crime."

Police in Wisbech are bidding for extra funding for innovative Smartwater kits to protect cars.

Sgt Dave Bax said: "Catalytic converter crime is not unusual for Wisbech.