Two men who were arrested in connection with the theft of catalytic converters in Chester have now been jailed.

Charlie Ward, aged 30, and Brian Ward, aged 28, both of Oxford Road, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft from a motor vehicle and one count of going equipped for theft.

The pair appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 13 August. Charlie Ward, was sentenced to 36 weeks in prison, while his co-accused Brian Ward, was jailed for 32 weeks. Both men were also ordered to pay £200 in compensation.

Police were first alerted to the thefts at 2.55pm on Thursday 11 August, after reports that a catalytic converter had been stolen from a green Toyota Scarlet at Greyhound Retail Park.

Officers were quickly dispatched to the scene and, after reviewing CCTV footage, they quickly identified a silver Mitsubishi Lancer as being involved in the incident.

As officers were searching for the car, a second report of catalytic converter theft was received from a woman who was at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

The woman reported that the offenders had fled the scene in a silver vehicle.

Following the call, a search was undertaken in the area and the vehicle was located on Countess Way.

Officers attempted to stop the car, but the driver failed to stop so officers pursued the vehicle as it travelled towards Ellesmere Port.

The vehicle eventually came to a stop near Rossmore Road and the occupants fled the scene on foot. Following a search of the area two men were located and arrested.

Following the sentencing Detective Sergeant Stuart Needham, of Chester Proactive Team, said: "I welcome the sentences handed to the men and I hope that they act as a warning to others.

"Catalytic converter theft is a growing crime across the UK and we are committed to doing all that we can to tackle the issue.

"There is not only a cost impact to the victims themselves, but also to all other motorists through increased insurance policies.

"I would like to thank all of the officers who have been involved in this case, from the detectives here at Chester to the roads policing officers who initially arrested the men.

"As a result of the swift arrest of these men and the thorough investigation, both of the offenders are now behind bars – ensuring prompt justice for their victims."