Catalytic converters – how to protect yours from theft
Catalytic converters contain precious metals that help to reduce harmful emissions escaping from exhausts. When global values of the metals go up, it can lead to a spate of thefts.
Since the parts are easily accessed, the crime itself is a relatively quick one for thieves to carry out.
A YouTube video posted in 2019 showed criminals caught in the act of stealing a catalytic converter from a parked car in London whilst brazenly holding up traffic.
The popularity of hybrid cars has also contributed to a surge in the crime. Because the greener vehicles run on their internal combustion engine less often than a petrol or diesel car, their catalytic converters see less action and the metals inside are usually less corroded.
While hybrid cars are often targeted, vehicles that sit higher from the ground, such as SUVs and vans, are more likely to be stolen from too. The greater clearance under the vehicle makes their catalytic converter an easier target for thieves.
