VANS and 4x4s were security marked in Newmarket yesterday to deter would-be thieves.

The free event at ATS Euromaster Ltd was held by Newmarket Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT).

A total of 13 vans and 4x4s were marked and security advice was also given to vehicle owners.

Sergeant Mark Shipton said: “Although officers are targeting patrols to catch offenders of this sort of crime, security marking your property and other crime prevention techniques can be equally important to combating criminals

“This will provide an effective deterrent to would-be thieves and it can help us to identify a stolen catalytic converter if it’s found in a scrap yard.

“We’d like to thank ATS Ltd for allowing us to use their premises for the day, allowing us to mark as many vehicles as possible. We’ll be looking to hold a similar day in the future.”

Meanwhile, police are appealing for information after a catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle in Stanton.

It was taken from a Toyota Hilux pick up truck parked on Wyken Road between 8.30pm on Tuesday and 7.30am the following morning.

Anyone with any information should call Pc Simon Collins, quoting crime number BR/12/449, on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

For more information on catalytic converter security marking contact the local SNT on 101.