THIEVES have been targeting cars parked at Hampshire tourist attractions causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Families are being urged to be vigilant after a spate of attacks on cars including those parked at Paulton’s Park.

In just two days three cars were targeted as thieves made off with catalytic converters, parts that are valued as they contain precious metals.

Among those who have been affected were parents-of-three Natalie and Dan Hayes, both 34, from Titchfield.

The couple had spent the day at the Ower theme park with their three children and niece.

But when they left they realised their Peugeot 807 was making strange noises.

They took it to a mechanic who found their catalytic converter, a part which removes harmful pollutants from the exhaust, had been hacked off of the bottom of the vehicle.

The damage has cost them more than £3,000 and it could see their vehicle written off.

Now they are urging people to be careful when leaving their car unattended.

Natalie, who works as a civil servant said: “I was shocked. We had had a nice day out so it was almost unreal that something like that could happen in a place like that.

“I had never heard of this before and now we have been without a car for four weeks.

“The removal job was so bad it caused damage to other parts of the car.

“I understand that you leave cars in car parks all the time but you don’t expect this to happen in a place like that.

“They’re heartless. To do it anywhere where people have children.”

On the same day their car was targeted, thieves made off with a catalytic converter from a Citroen C8 parked in the same overflow car park at Paulton’s Park.

Another catalytic converter was stolen from a Mitsubishi Shogun that was parked in the car park the previous day.

Hampshire Police is investigating the thefts which all happened between 10am and 5.45pm on July 23 and 24.

They are calling for anyone with any information to come forward.

A spokesman said: “Three vehicles at Paultons Park had catalytic converters stolen. These are underneath every vehicle and would take at least two people to remove them.

“If you see anyone, probably wearing high visibility jackets, acting suspiciously around unattended cars or vans call the police.”

Paultons Park declined to comment.

To help call police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.