Police warning as criminals target catalytic converters
THE EMISSIONS EQUIPMENT CONTAINS VALUABLE METALS
are warning motorists to be on the alert following a noticeable rise in catalytic converter thefts.
The equipment, which contains valuable metals, is being stolen from vehicles all over the county, prompting police to issue the alert and offer theft prevention advice.
Catalytic converter thefts frequently occur in car parks and thieves then sell these converters via scrapyards, online or ship them out of the country.
A police spokesman said: “Hybrid vehicles are most commonly targeted, as their metals are more valuable, but any vehicle can be at risk of catalytic converter theft.”
A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that converts toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas into less-toxic pollutants.
They are found underneath vehicles, as part of the exhaust system.
The process of stealing a catalytic converter can be carried out in as little as 60 seconds by a skilled crook with power tools.
Thieves cut the catalytic converter from the exhaust pipe of a parked car and sell them on for profit.
Taller vehicles, such as 4x4s, are particularly vulnerable as the converters are more accessible.
Also, because they tend to have larger engines, the equipment conPOLICE tains more of the precious metals.
The spokesman added: “To keep your catalytic converter safe, you can ask your car dealer for advice on locks or guards that are approved by the vehicle manufacturer and tested to Sold Secure Gold.
“Alternatively, 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 isn’t possible, park in an area that’s well-lit and overlooked and try to park so that the converter can’t be easily reached by potential thieves.”
Police said that there are other ways that you can make life harder for thieves, including marking your property
“Drivers should register their converters and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of.”
Marking your catalytic converter can minimise the risk of theft but, if it is stolen, can then make it possible to track it and easier to convict offenders.
Special kits contain a coded sticker that you put on your catalytic converter and coat it with a permanent fluid to mark it.
You then register your code on the International Security Register (ISR) database, run by Retainagroup, in Ashford, Kent.
A marked catalytic converter makes it more difficult for a thief to sell it on and displaying a sticker in your window to state that it is marked may deter them from attempting the theft.
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