A man has suffered serious facial injuries after catalytic converters were stolen in Staines.

Police were called to Victoria Road at 8pm on Wednesday, March 16 after reports that a group of four men were stealing catalytic converters.

According to police, the suspects were carrying weapons such as scaffolding poles or lengths of wood.

A man confronted the four and was attacked.

Police say the man suffered serious facial injuries - including a suspected fractured eye socket, and injuries to his hand and fingers.

He is currently receiving treatment in hospital.

His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Police have described the suspects as four men wearing balaclavas, who made off in a vehicle before officers arrived.

Other residents were allegedly threatened and forced to stay in their homes by the suspects.

Enquiries are still ongoing to determine the make and model of the vehicle.

Police are appealing for witnesses with CCTV, dashcam or helmet cam footage.

Police say the rise in catalytic converter thefts in north Surrey is due to the increasing global price of metals, such as palladium and rhodium.

A spokesperson for Surrey Police said: “We are appealing for witnesses after a catalytic converter theft in Staines which led to a man sustaining serious injuries.

“Police were called to Victoria Road in Staines just after 8pm last night (16 March) following several reports that a group of four men were stealing catalytic converters at the location.

“A man confronted the suspects and was attacked.

“He sustained serious facial injuries, including a suspected fractured eye socket, and injuries to his hand and fingers.

“He is currently receiving treatment in hospital, but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

“Other residents were also threatened and forced to stay in their homes by the suspects, who were carrying weapons such as scaffolding poles or lengths of wood.

“The suspects were described as four men wearing balaclavas, who made off in a vehicle prior to police arrival.

“Enquiries are still ongoing to determine the make and model of the vehicle.

“Were you in the area around Victoria Lane or Moor Lane yesterday between 8pm and 8.30pm? Do you have CCTV, dashcam or helmet cam footage that many assist our investigation?

“If you know anything that may help us please get in touch quoting PR/45220028788 via:

• Via live webchat on our website https://www.surrey.police.uk/

• Using our online reporting tool https://www.surrey.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

• Calling us on 101 “If you do not wish to leave your name, you can also call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“We have seen a recent rise in cases of catalytic converter thefts, especially in areas of North Surrey such as Ashford and Stanwell.

“We think these cases are on the rise because of the increasing global price of metals such as palladium and rhodium.

“Catalytic converter thieves are often involved in organised crime and arm themselves with poles and bats to deter members of the public from challenging them.

“They will use violence if confronted. Please do not approach them.

“If you see or hear something that you think could be catalytic converter theft, we need to hear about it as soon as possible so we have the best chance of catching thieves in the act.

“Spot the signs: “LOOK – cars are often (but not always) jacked up on their sides using a trolley jack

“LISTEN – for the sound of drilling or cutting from underneath the vehicle “If you see or hear something suspicious that could be catalytic converter theft, make sure you’re a safe distance from the suspects and call 999.

“Give us as many details as possible about the suspects and their getaway vehicle.

“This will help officers track them if they leave before they can arrive.”