TWO suspected thieves were arrested after valuable car parts were found in their vehicle.

Police stopped a vehicle on the A259 near Arundel at about 2am this morning.

Officers conducted a search and found four catalytic converters hidden underneath the rear seats.

Two men aged 32 and 54 were arrested on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle and remain in custody for questioning.

DCI Simon Dunn said: "Catalytic converter theft can have a serious financial impact on victims and we are taking targeted action against thieves.

"There are a number of measures people can take to deter thieves, including parking in a secure or well-lit area and considering locks or guards.

"We also encourage people to continue reporting any thefts to us, so we can build a picture of the crimes and respond effectively."

Catalytic converters, which clean up harmful gases within car exhaust systems, are valuable because of the precious metals they contain. 

According to the AA, when precious metal prices go up the demand for parts that contain them goes up too, and the risk of theft of catalytic converters increases.

Thieves can cut the catalytic converter from the exhaust pipe of a parked car and sell them on to scrap metal dealers.

To protect your vehicle, the AA advises drivers to park their car in a garage whenever possible, or busy, well-lit areas, and to look out for people working under cars.

Anyone who has been a victim of a catalytic converter theft, or who has any other information including relevant CCTV, doorbell or dash cam footage, is asked to call police on 101 or to report online at sussex.police.uk.Â