Catalytic converters thefts are reportedly on the rise during the cost of living crisis. Opportunistic thieves sell the devices for scrap - and leave motorists with repair bills that can run to several hundred pounds.
Catalytic converters are fitted to vehicle exhausts to reduce the amount of dangerous gases emitted. They are often targeted by thieves as they contain valuable metals and can be removed in less than a minute, Birmingham Live reports.
However, the RAC says that vehicles across the country have been fitted with £200 catalytic converter cages to deter would-be thieves. Back in March 2020, the motoring organisation said the makeshift solution takes two hours for mechanics to install.
Most thefts take place in car parks but they can happen anywhere. Thieves may then sell the converters via scrapyards, online, or ship them out of the country.
Hybrid vehicles are most commonly targeted, as their metals are more valuable, but any vehicle can be at risk of catalytic converter theft. Signs that a catalytic converter theft is taking place could include a vehicle being raised using a car jack in a car park or residential area or a loud drilling or cutting sound coming from underneath the vehicle.
On diesel cars, the diesel oxidation catalyst is often integrated with the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and there is evidence that these are being stolen for their scrap value too. It can take thieves 60 seconds to remove a converter from the car.
It could cost £800 to replace a converter, depending on the car's make. Since 2020, research from GoShorty found there have been 30,128 instances of catalytic converters being stolen in London alone including those obtained by deception or recovered after a theft.
Motorists can take steps, however, to reduce the chances of their vehicle falling victim to such crimes. The RAC says some car makers allow motorists to attach a lock on to their converter.
Toyota, for instance, will secure a 'Catloc' to the Prius (3rd generation) and Auris (2nd generation). Drivers of such models should contact their local dealership to find out more.
Meanwhile, mechanics have started adding an extra layer of protection for catalytic converters by housing them inside makeshift 'cat cages'. Or motorists could instead ask a trusted garage to weld bolts shut to make them more difficult to loosen.
Garages can also be asked to add a serial number to a catalytic converter. The Scrap Metal Dealers Act requires that dealers check the identity of sellers against the unique code.
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