A couple has reported that their car's catalytic converter was stolen last week while parked in the Town Hall car park.

The theft occurred either on the evening of Tuesday 3 August or the early hours of Wednesday 4 August, said Leanne Brooks, who's partner's car was targeted.

The couple have to park in the Town Hall car park, as their flat does not have allocated parking.

"We reported it to the police but as there's no CCTV in the Town Hall car park, they said there's nothing they can do," Leanne told Nub News.

"We're currently looking at replacement parts and repairs that will cost more than the car is worth. We might even have to do it without claiming insurance as they will likely want to scrap it.

"It's just a really awful situation. We moved to Cowbridge from Cardiff and honestly didn't expect this.

"We're thinking of moving now as we don't have an allocated parking space as we rent a flat above a shop, and we have no choice but to park in the Town Hall."

The couple are now appealing for witnesses of any suspicious behaviour on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.

Catalytic converters are devices fitted to vehicle exhausts to reduce the amount of dangerous gases emitted. They are often targeted by thieves as they contain valuable metals and can be removed in less than a minute.

"These thefts most frequently occur in car parks, but they can happen anywhere," said South Wales Police.

"Thieves may then sell these converters via scrapyards, online, or ship them out of the country. Hybrid vehicles are most commonly targeted, as their metals are more valuable, but any vehicle can be at risk of catalytic converter theft."

SWP said a vehicle being raised using a car jack in a car park or residential area or a loud drilling or cutting sound coming from underneath the vehicle could be signs of a catalytic converter theft.

"To keep your catalytic converter safe, you can ask your car dealer for advice on locks or guards that are approved by the vehicle manufacturer and tested to Sold Secure Gold," continued SWP.

"Alternatively, try to make sure your vehicle is parked in a garage overnight, or if you have a commercial vehicle, park it in a secure compound. If this isn't possible, park in an area that's well-lit and overlooked and try to park so that the converter can't be easily reached by potential thieves. Vehicles that sit high above the road are particularly vulnerable.

"You should also register your converter and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of."