Catalytic converter thefts on the rise in Australia as rare metal values climb

Mechanics have reported a rise in vehicles coming in that have had catalytic converters stolen. (ABC Gold Coast: Danielle Mahe)

Kaitlin Evans parked her car in a commuter car park in Brisbane's south-east one morning in January and went to work.

When she returned to her car that afternoon and turned on the ignition, the engine roared so loudly that she thought the sound was coming from another vehicle.