Hundreds of catalytic converters have been ripped from parked cars in Staffordshire and the West Midlands this year by thieves cashing in on soaring metal prices, new figures have revealed.

A total of 267 catalytic converters have been taken from vehicles across the Black Country since the start of the year and a further 87 in Staffordshire since April.

Dudley has been the worst hit with nearly three times the number of thefts compared to any other area in the region.

There has been a spate of thefts across the borough, with 142 catalytic converters being stolen so far this year.

Police have now launched a crackdown called Operation Boss Cat to try to stop opportunistic thieves targeting vehicles left on the roadside.

Officers are increasing patrols and visits to known scrap dealers across the area in a bid to deter thieves.

In Sandwell, there have been 48 thefts, with the same number in Wolverhampton and 29 in Walsall, according to figures released to the under the Freedom of Information Act.

Four catalytic converters were taken last month from vans at the Astonfields Industrial Estate in Stafford while the minibus belonging to Dudley’s Woodsetton School had its catalytic converter stolen in October.

Pc Sean Lowe, from Dudley’s Local Priority Team, said: “Motorists and businesses are being affected by this trend, as a number of vehicles are being targeted particularly vans.

“In the current climate and with precious metal prices still rising, the demand for parts that contain them is growing. As a result, the risk of theft of catalytic converters is on the increase again.

“Brierley Hill and Pensnett have seen several thefts of this kind, and patrols will incorporate the current hot spot areas of crime, whilst also concentrating on the scrap merchants which may be receiving the stolen goods.”

In Dudley, officers are giving out equipment for MoT garages to security mark catalytic converters when vehicles are taken in, which they hope could help track down parts at scrap yards using ultra violet lamps.

The thefts are the latest in a series of metal thefts across the region which have seen drain covers taken and houses, churches and businesses targeted.