BY INSPECTOR NICK PINKERTON
CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT
We are receiving an increasing reports of thieves using car jacks to lift up vehicles (particularly hybrids) to then cut out the catalytic converters from their exhaust pipe. This can occur in both car parks and on residential driveways. Catalytic converters clean your car’s exhaust gases and sit in the exhaust system. They can be stolen in a matter of minutes and are sold on for their precious metals whose value has been increasing significantly for a number of years. Owners are then left to foot an expensive repair bill on their vehicles.
Vehicles which sit high above the road, such as SUVs, are particularly vulnerable. Some hybrid vehicles (particularly Toyota and Honda models) are also especially attractive to thieves as they do consume their precious metals as fast as conventional vehicles.
A key issue we have identified is that many people do not know about catalytic converter theft. This means even when people do actually witness a crime, as they may not report it. Catalytic converter theft is a messy, noisy crime – but it is quick. Thieves may seem as though they are legitimately working on a car and may also be wearing face masks. If you suspect it is happening, call us on 999 immediately. Do not approach the thieves, but try and get the best descriptions of the thieves and their vehicles.
Here are some ways you can protect your vehicle from catalytic converter theft:
- Having your vehicle’s serial number etched on the catalytic converter could help police track stolen items and deter offenders.
- A protective cover over the catalytic converter can help to guard your vehicle. To keep yours safe, ask your car dealer if they can give you any advice on locks or guards that are approved by the vehicle manufacturer and tested to Sold Secure Gold.
- Garages can be asked to weld the bolts holding the catalytic converter on, to make it harder to remove.
- Try to make sure your vehicle is parked in a garage overnight, or if you have a commercial vehicle park it in a secure compound. If this is not possible, park in an area that is well-lit and overlooked and try to park so that the converter cannot be easily reached by potential thieves.
- Lookout for suspicious activity around vehicles, such as a vehicle being lifted up or someone doing something to the underneath of the vehicle
- Lookout for anyone attempting to steal number plates, as thieves may use these on their vehicles to avoid police detection
- CCTV such as a video doorbells could provide key evidence and deter offenders
- An alarm can be fitted to your vehicle that activates if it is tilted or shaken
For further information about catalytic converter theft see www.surrey.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/theft-from-a-vehicle