A WARNING has gone out to drivers after a family's car was struck by thieves for its catalytic converter.

The car was parked in a 'quiet, residential' spot in Botley, Oxford, for the afternoon as the Razzaq family travelled from Bicester to see family in Oxford.

The family, including two children, were parked outside sheltered housing site Osney Court, in Botley Road, when they left to walk in to the city centre.

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But as they returned to the car about 4pm and attempted to start the engine, there was a loud 'tractor-type' noise from the car.

It was only when a nearby resident came out and told them he had seen a group of men working on the car that they realised the catalytic converter had been stolen.

Owner of the car Abdul Razzaq said: "The car made this big noise, and then a guy came out of a nearby flat and said he had seen three blokes bring along a car jack and take the converter.

"He said he had assumed we knew the men and they were fixing the car for us.

"It wasn't until after when they left with the converter that he realised."

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Catalytic converters are targeted by criminals as they contain a small amount of valuable metal.

Mr Razzaq said: "It is a bit of a shock. It is a quiet residential area and it happened in broad daylight, in the middle of the day."

It is believed that happened about 2.30pm on Sunday, and reportedly involved three men in their 30s and a silver Volkswagen Golf.

Mr Razzaq said he expects the repairs to cost up to £900 for his car.

He added: "It was such an awful experience. I just want to make sure other people are aware that this happened and in broad daylight, in a residential area.

"Maybe it will help warn other people to keep an eye out and be aware."

Any details call 101 ref 43190158398