The rise in catalytic converters thefts, has prompted us to create this article, to explain why cars are being targeted for their catalytic converters and what you can do to help prevent it.

What is a catalytic converter?

A Catalytic converter (CAT) is a crucial component of a car’s exhaust system. The CAT is located under the car, bolted to the exhaust pipe. A catalytic converter cleans harmful gases before they exit the vehicle’s exhaust pipe.

Catalytic converters are usually used with internal petrol or diesel combustion engines. They have been fitted into most petrol-fuelled vehicles made since 1992 and most diesel-fuelled vehicles since 2001.

Why are catalytic converters being targeted by thieves?

Catalytic converters contain palladium, platinum, and rhodium which are all precious metals. Palladium is worth around £1,685* per ounce, platinum approximately £715* per ounce, and rhodium about £5,185*. If and when the prices of these precious metals rise, so does the value of a CAT, making them very attractive to thieves.

Catalytic Converter theft has risen due to the value of what they are made of and how easy it is to steal them. A CAT can be bolt cut from the underside of a vehicle with relative ease, and they are lacking in identifying marks, which makes them hard to trace when they are resold. Despite it being illegal to pay for scrap metal with cash, unfortunately, some merchants will buy stolen materials for cash, making it harder to trace the theft and tempting thieves to steal valuable car parts.

How are catalytic converters being stolen?

The catalytic converter can be found in a box connected to your car’s exhaust underneath the vehicle. Stealing them is therefore a simple process. Thieves simply get under the car and use high-powered cutting tools or a bolt cutters to detach the box from the exhaust pipe. Once the thief has stolen your catalytic converter they can then remove the precious metals and take them to a metal recyclers to be sold and the better condition on the converter, the more money a thief can make.

Are some cars targeted more than others?

Yes! Some cars are more frequently targeted by thieves for their catalytic converters, there are many different types of CAT but the cars that are most often targeted are hybrid vehicles as they have two power sources; an electric motor and a petrol or diesel engine, so their catalytic converters are used less frequently to process pollutants. This means the metals inside them are less likely to corrode, making them more valuable to the thief. Vehicles that are higher off the ground such as 4x4s are also at higher risk of catalytic converter theft because it is far easier for a thief to get under the vehicle. The Honda Jazz and Honda Accord are also targeted more frequently because their older catalytic converters are particularly easy to reach.

How can you prevent the theft of my catalytic converter?

To prevent the theft of your catalytic converter you need to make it more difficult for the thief, here are a few things to be aware of:

• Park your vehicle in a garage or somewhere that makes it difficult for anyone to access its underside
• Security details can be etched into the converter
• Don’t park your car in one place for a long time
• Install CCTV and an alarm system to monitor the car whilst parked
• Secure the CAT with extra bolts or a protective sleeve to make it harder to cut out
• Try protecting the vehicle by parking against a wall or by another lower vehicle to make it more difficult to reach under yours
• Have a mechanic weld the catalytic converter to the exhaust system

 

*Prices correct at time of posting.