Catalytic converters are a vital—and legal—requirement for all vehicles manufactured after 1993. They are also one of the most expensive components of any car, meaning they are a prime target for theft.
According to Which, catalytic converter theft rose by 100% from 2019 to 2020, despite cars and their owners being locked down at home. The factors leading to this may be out of your control, but there are ways you can prevent your vehicle from becoming a target.
In this guide, we will cover the circumstances that can lead to the theft of catalytic converters, and the steps you can take to protect yours from being stolen.
WHAT IS A CATALYTIC CONVERTER?
Designed to reduce the pollution output from your vehicle emissions, catalytic converters became mandatory for new vehicles in 1993.
They work by using a honeycomb structure lined with precious metals, which acts to reduce harmful emissions from your exhaust. An example pollutant is carbon monoxide, which a catalytic converter transforms into the less harmful pollutant, carbon dioxide. Not only does this reduce pollution, but also increases the efficiency of your engine.
WHY DO PEOPLE STEAL CATALYTIC CONVERTERS?
The reasons why people steal catalytic converters vary. It can be because of their high monetary value as a whole, but it can also be due to the precious materials they contain.
The metals found in a catalytic converter include palladium, platinum, and rhodium. These metal types can fluctuate in value depending on demand and this often means that when their value spikes, so may the number of reported catalytic converter thefts.
HOW TO PREVENT CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT
Although you can’t stop a thief from trying, there are measures you can take that may prevent the theft of your catalytic converter. These include:
PARKING SECURELY
Always park your car in a garage if you can. If this is not possible, look for a secure, gated car park, or well-lit street parking with visible security cameras.
It is important to know the location of your catalytic converter. When parking on a driveway, if your catalytic converter is located near the front of your car, park nose-to-house, and vice versa.
Removing a catalytic converter is a loud task. The closer you park to your house, the more of a deterrent this is to a prospective thief.
BLOCKING ACCESS TO THE UNDERSIDE
In order to gain access to your catalytic converter, a thief must first be able to slide beneath your car. By blocking access to the underside of your vehicle, you are eliminating this opportunity.
This can be as simple as parking close alongside a wall—provided you’re not blocking access—or avoiding parking on kerbs which raise one side of your car off the ground. Vehicles set high off the ground are more vulnerable to catalytic converter theft.
WELDING THE BOLTS SHUT
Increase the obstacles a thief may face when attempting to steal your catalytic converter. If your catalytic converter is connected with bolts or screws, consider asking your local garage to weld these bolts shut.
This will result in the need for real heavy duty tools, and a lot more effort on their part to actually remove the catalytic converter from the vehicle.
MARKING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WITH A VIN NUMBER
Once your catalytic converter has been stolen, there is nothing linking it back to you or your vehicle. By marking your catalytic converter with a VIN number, it becomes identifiable if recovered.
In addition to this, you will also receive a sticker to display in your vehicle which indicates that your catalytic converter is marked, deterring potential thieves from targeting you.
BOOSTING YOUR HOME SECURITY
By installing an advanced home security system, you can not only prevent potential thieves from targeting your vehicle, but also have a greater chance of identifying them if they succeed in stealing your catalytic converter.
Something as simple as a motion-sensor security light, or heavy duty garage doors can be enough to stop a thief before they even begin. CCTV cameras will capture footage of the offenders in action, improving your chances of recovering your stolen catalytic converter.
INSTALLING A CAR ALARM
What is more likely to stop a thief in their tracks than a loud car alarm? There are alarms that can be installed to detect a tilt in your vehicle. This means that when your car is being lifted, say by a car jack, the alarm is activated.
Finding an alarm that will send you an alert upon activation will give you an accurate timestamp on the attempted theft. It is not advised to confront a potential thief for your own safety. If the alarm is activated, call the police immediately.
FITTING A CATCLAMP
Invented for the sole purpose of catalytic converter protection, the CatClamp is a cage that is assembled around your catalytic converter. This provides an extra layer of difficulty when someone attempts to remove it.
Attached to your vehicle frame up to seven times, the aircraft-grade wire rope is extremely tough to cut through, providing great protection for your catalytic converter. A CatClamp is easy to install, and will fit most vehicle makes and models.
All of these things may force a thief to think twice before targeting your vehicle, or even stop them in their tracks by making their job more difficult.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT PREVENTION – FAQS
Find out what others are keen to know about catalytic converter theft.
WHAT CARS ARE TARGETED FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT?
There has been an increase in targeted hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius, Honda Jazz, and similar. This is partly due to the higher concentration and greater longevity of the precious metals used. These emission-friendly vehicles’ catalytic converters corrode slowly compared to those used in a full petrol or diesel engine car, meaning they can be sold on for higher profit.
Vehicles that sit high above the ground, such as vans, also pose an easy target for catalytic converter theft. If your vehicle has a large engine, you could also be at risk, as your catalytic converter may be of higher value and therefore more likely to be stolen.
IS CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT COVERED BY INSURANCE?
In most cases, if your car insurance covers theft, this will include that of your catalytic converter. It’s always recommended to check with your insurance provider as this may not always be the case.
It is also worth considering the possibility that claiming for the theft of your catalytic converter may affect your no claims bonus, and so there are variables to weigh up when making a claim.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAS BEEN STOLEN?
You must not drive your car if your catalytic converter is missing. Due to the high level of toxins being emitted without a catalytic converter, it becomes illegal to drive your vehicle. If you do knowingly drive your vehicle, you could be issued with a fine up to £2,500, and invalidate your insurance.
Inform the police of the theft of your catalytic converter, and provide them with your VIN number if applicable. You must also contact your insurance provider who will be able to advise you on your next steps.
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