Police have issued a new warning to drivers about catalytic converter thefts after several vehicles in the borough were targeted overnight.

Thefts of the components, which filter out dangerous gases from exhaust emissions, have doubled in a year with organised gangs targeting vehicles on driveways and car parks.

Once stolen, the vehicles are undriveable, which means victims not only face big bills to have them replaced, but they can also be left stranded.

Figures recently published by Which? suggested that thefts of the devices have risen by 104per cent in a year.

It said the crime is potentially extremely lucrative with a single scrap catalytic converter currently fetching as much as £400.

The attraction is that they contain rare metals such as Rhodium, which has risen some six-fold in price in a year to around £20,000 per ounce.

Richmond Police sent out a Tweet earlier today stating: "In the early hours of this morning several vehicles in our borough were targeted for their catalytic converters. One male has been arrested."

It directed drivers to a police web page which warned: "They are often targeted by thieves as they contain valuable metals and can be removed in less than a minute.

"Catalytic converter theft most frequently occurs in car parks, but they can happen anywhere. 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."

Which? said older hybrids, such as the previous generation of the Toyota Prius and Auris, and the Honda Jazz hybrid models are particularly at risk due to their higher concentration of precious metals.

People can try and protect their cars by fitting a Catloc, which generally costs around £200, but this is not always successful in preventing a theft.

The consumer group has heard from drivers who faced hefty repair quotes of upwards of £1,200, with a quarter of owners surveyed (27%) not notifying their insurer and settling their repair bill privately. In some cases an insurer will write off an older car rather than pay for a repair.

The editor of Which? magazine, Harry Rose, said: "Catalytic converter thefts can leave victims with pricey repair bills, rising premiums or even complete write offs, so it's concerning to see such a huge spike in these crimes across the country.

"To minimise the chance of your car being targeted you should consider installing traceable marking tools and a Catloc on your converter or park in an area covered by CCTV - these steps could help to identify or deter thieves."