A TEENAGER and his accomplice were caught red handed stealing catalytic converters from vehicles in a Sabden compound.

Blackburn magistrates heard that when police officers entered the Watts Street compound they found the 17-year-old defendant was clinging to the underside of a vehicle.

They also found a pile of catalytic converters.

The converters had been removed from vehicles and stacked against a wall.

The juvenile, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to stealing property worth £12,000.

He was made subject to a six month referral order and ordered to pay £130 compensation.

The court also heard that the adult involved was due to be sentenced at the Crown Court on April 1.

Clare Knight, defending, said it was the first time her client, an apprentice mechanic, had ever been arrested.