The theft of 44 catalytic converters worth a combined value of €5,000 from a warehouse in Paphos is under investigation by the Paphos CID, the police said on Tuesday.

A 50-year-old man who owns a scrap metal depot in the industrial area of Tremithousa reported the theft on Monday evening.

Investigations are currently underway as police officers are examining CCTV footage collected from the premises and gathering statements from possible eyewitnesses.

A similar incident took place a few months ago in Paphos for which police arrested three people. Authorities are investigating whether they could be involved in the latest incident as well.

A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that reduces toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas. The catalyst itself is most often a mix of precious metals, mostly platinum.