Thames Valley Police update on Catalytic Convertor Thefts

CATALYTIC CONVERTOR THEFTS

What is a catalytic convertor?

Catalytic converters have been fitted to car exhausts as standard for almost 30 years to reduce harmful vehicle emissions into the atmosphere. The metals act as catalysts (as the name suggests) and convert the harmful gases into water vapour and less harmful emissions.

Why are they being targeted?

Hybrid vehicles are targeted the most because their catalytic converters contain higher concentrations of precious metals and are generally less corroded.

Which vehicles are being targeted?

Any vehicle with a catalytic convertor, although some of the most susceptible cars to cat thefts are:

• Honda
• Toyota
• Lexus

Unfortunately, this type of crime has seen a massive increase during lockdown, and isn’t about to go away any time soon, so……...

How can I help to protect my vehicle?

To help protect your vehicle from catalytic converter thieves, consider doing the following:

• Park in a locked garage or densely populated area
• Park close to walls and fences, with your exhaust being closest to the barrier, this will make it more difficult for the thieves and may make your vehicle less attractive to them.
• Avoid mounting your car on a kerb to park as this gives the thieves easy access.
• If your catalytic converter is bolted on, ask your local garage to weld the bolts to make it more difficult to move.
• Consider a cage clamp which locks around the catalytic converter
• Speak to your car dealership about a tilt sensor which activates the car alarm if someone tries to jack up your vehicle.
• Speak to your local car dealership and enquire about a ‘cat-lock’ or locking device to help secure the catalytic convertor