• BEWARE the criminal car gangs operating in Highgate. I am over 70 and live with my wife on a pension: my only luxury is my 2005 Toyota Prius.

On Friday I parked my car in the very quiet residential Cromwell Close. Going to start it on Saturday the engine sounded like a tractor with no exhaust. Looking underneath, all I could see was a wire hanging down.

The local garage knew immediately that my catalytic converter had been literally chopped off and stolen for the precious metals inside.

It will cost the best part of £750 to fix this, money I do not have so will have to put this on a credit card which will take for ever to pay off. All car owners, especially those with a Prius, should be warned.

KEITH BIRD
N6