CAR owners who have been the victims of theft will be given free marker tickets to help prevent them from being targeted again.

This comes after a series of crimes, in which catalytic converters have been stolen from cars in Chorley, with the most frequently targeted vehicles being the Honda Jazz and Toyota Prius.

In response, Chorley Police have now secured funding from the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime for 50 catalytic converter marking kits to be given away to members of the public who have already been victims.

A police spokesperson said: "After the CAT is marked it will be registered and stickers displayed in the car to show the catalytic convertor is marked, making it harder to sell on.

"Chorley Police has teamed up with Chorley Nissan on Ackhurst Road for victims to have their CATS marked for a small price of £10, all of which will be donated to Inspire Youth Zone."

Anyone wishing to claim a free marker kit can email 5386@lancashire.police.uk with proof of ownership of a Honda Jazz or Toyota Prius to arrange collection of one of the kits from Chorley Police station.

Officers say that kits will be given out on a first come first served basis.