Warning over rise in car exhaust thefts

Car owners are being urged to protect their vehicles as thefts of catalytic converters have soared during the pandemic.

Insurer Ageas said the theft of the exhaust somponent accounted for 30% of theft from private vehicle claims it received during the first three months of the year – up from 20% between October and December 2019.

Catalytic converters help reduce emissions and contain a honeycomb coated with precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium – which makes them attractive to thieves.

Rhodium's value has increasedmorethanthree-fold since March 2020, reaching recordhighsearlierthisyear.

Theft victims often only realisetheyhavebeentargeted when they switch on and hear loud noises.

Replacement catalytic converters cost up to £1,000.

Ageas claims director Robin Challand said: "While catalytic converters are just one component of a car, their theft can often result inadriver'scarbeingwritten off, which is the last thing we want for our customers.

"We hope that by shining a spotlight on this type of crime, we can arm motorists with the information they need to protect their vehicles."

RAC spokesmanSimonWilliams commented: "We'd stronglyrecommendmotorists get in the habit of taking extra precautions to guard against this type of crime.

"Most car crime takes place at night, so it makes sense to park a vehicle in a well-lit and residential location, or ideally in a garage.

"When away from home, look for car parks that have security patrols and are covered by CCTV."