AN appeal has been launched after two masked men stole a catalytic converter from a car.

Police were sent to Link Avenue in Blackbrook at around 10am on Sunday, December 15 after thieves wearing facial coverings took the car part.

The number of thefts of the exhaust devices is on the rise as the value of precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium - which are used to make catalytic converters - has shot up.

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No arrests have been made.

If you have any information contact Merseyside Police on 101 quoting reference number 19100732163 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.