Thieves often target hybrid cars as the value of the converter is higher and they can be accessed more easily. However, we have been seeing them stolen from petrol and diesel cars.
Catalytic converters are stolen for the value of the precious metals in them or to be resold illegally.
It takes a matter of minutes for someone to steal a catalytic converter if they know what they are doing.
Thieves will often target car parks at supermarkets, industrial estates, offices and train stations. They also target vehicles parked at home.
Ways to protect your vehicle include:
•Parking your vehicles in a garage or other secured area if you have one.
•Use alarms, lighting and CCTV to deter thieves.
• buying and fitting a protection device specifically to cover the catalytic converter
• installing motion-activated lighting if you park your vehicle on a driveway, but if this isn’t possible, park it in a well-lit, busy area
• using your vehicle’s alarm or installing a Thatcham approved alarm, which should activate if the vehicle is tilted or lifted
• using your vehicle’s alarm or installing a Thatcham approved alarm, which should activate if the vehicle is tilted or lifted
• looking out for anyone ‘working’ or acting suspiciously under vehicles (particularly in busy car parks)
• marking your catalytic converter to make it harder to sell and make it easier for police to trace it back to you if it is recovered.
If you see a theft in progress call 999 immediately providing as much information about the offenders as possible. Do not confront thieves, they will normally be carrying tools that can be used as weapons.
If you have information that could help us catch offenders or recover stolen catalytic converters, call 101. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.