In just eight days 16 roads were targeted by thieves as vehicles were broken into and several catalytic converters stolen.

Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed that some of the vehicles were left unlocked making it easier for the culprits to strike.

Here we list the 18 incidents that took place across Watford and Croxley Green.

Watford

Police said they are keeping an open mind if the first three incidents are related, and will also consider if the others are linked too.  

March 26

  • At around 10pm it was reported the driver’s side window of a Toyota was smashed on Hagden Lane. Nothing was taken. Crime reference 41/24902/23.
  • Between 9.30pm on March 26 and 7.45am on March 27 it was reported that the driver’s side window of a Volkswagen was smashed on Hagden Lane. Nothing was taken. Crime reference 41/24899/23.

March 27

  • Between 12am and 5.30am it was reported that the driver’s side window of a vehicle was smashed at Tesco Express on the High Street and approximately £40 was stolen. Crime reference 41/24992/23.

March 29

  • At around 12.15am it was reported that the driver’s side window of a Seat was smashed on Princes Avenue and about £10 was stolen. Crime reference 41/25423/23.
  • Between 5.15am and 4.20pm a Jaguar parked on Cow Lane had its front index plate stolen. Crime reference 41/25652/23.
  • Between 1.45pm and 5.30pm a Suzuki parked at the Watford Central Leisure Centre on Hempstead Road had its rear index plate stolen. Crime reference 41/25720/23.
  • Between 1.45pm and 5pm a Mercedes parked at the Woodside Leisure Centre on Horseshoe Lane had its front and rear index plates stolen. Crime reference 41/25738/23.

March 31

  • Between 11.30am and 12.30pm a vehicle parked at Tesco on the Lower High Street had its catalytic converter solen. Crime reference 41/26138/23.

April 1 

  • Between 10.11pm and 10.13pm a Honda parked on Haines Way had its catalytic converter stolen. Crime reference 41/26593/23.
  • Between 10.55pm and 11pm a Honda parked on Leaford Crescent had its catalytic converter stolen. Crime reference 41/26589/23.
  • A Toyota parked on Ashwell Place had its catalytic converter solen. Crime reference 41/26595/23.
  • A Lexus parked on Fern Way had its catalytic converter stolen. Crime reference 41/26596/23.

April 2 

  • Between 12.10am and 12.15am a Ford parked on Nottingham Close had its catalytic converter stolen. Crime reference 41/26654/23.
  • At around 12.37pm a vehicle parked on St Albans Road had two bikes stolen. Crime reference 41/26673/23.

Croxley Green

Police have said they are keeping an open mind as to whether the following incidents are linked.

April 1

  • At around 9.25pm, it was reported that a catalytic converter was taken from a silver Lexus on Manor Way. The suspects then made off towards Baldwins Lane. Crime reference 41/26552/23.

April 2

  • At around 5am, it was reported that a Ford Transit had been broken into overnight on Kenilworth Drive. It was reported that the back door had been smashed but nothing appeared to have been taken from inside.
  • A second van, also a Ford Transit, was damaged on Ludlow Way, with the rear lock broken while attempts were made to gain access to the vehicle. Crime reference number 41/26706/23.
  • At around 5am, it was reported that a van was broken into on Ludlow Way, by unknown means. It is reported that two toolboxes were taken. Crime reference 41/26611/23.