A CROSSGATES teenager has appeared in court for thefts of catalytic converters from parked cars in Fife with a total value of around £3,500.

Most of the vehicles targeted were at Park and Ride sites but on one occasion a car in Rosyth was jacked up in an attempt to steal the converter.

On one day, three vehicles were targeted by 18-year-old Logan Turner.

Turner, of Hillview Place, appeared in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court and admitted a string of offences, all relating to the theft of catalytic converters.

The eight separate thefts took place on the following dates and locations:

Between March 29 and April 10, at Halbeath Park and Ride, he stole a catalytic converter.

Between April 6 and 13, at Ferrytoll Park and Ride, Inverkeithing,

Between May 16 and 20, at Hope Street, Inverkeithing.

Between May 17 and 20, at Ferrytoll Park and Ride.

On May 18, at Halbeath Park and Ride, on two occasions.

On May 18, at Primrose Lane, Rosyth, he jacked up a vehicle and began to grind the exhaust, and attempted to steal a catalytic converter.

Between May 9 and 21, at Halbeath Park and Ride.

Not guilty pleas were accepted on another nine charges.

Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf said the stolen items had an estimated value of £3,500.

Sheriff Charles Macnair called for reports and Turner will be sentenced on January 11.

Police across the UK have warned motorists repeatedly about the rise in thefts of catalytic converters, often targeted for the precious metals contained inside.