Protect your catalytic converter
YOU might not be aware of your catalytic converter but it’s an important part of your exhaust system and if it’s missing, your car will produce emissions above legal limits.
As catalytic converter theft continues to rise, we talk you through some of the steps you can take to reduce the chances of thieves targeting your vehicle.
WHY DO CRIMINALS TARGET CATALYTIC CONVERTERS?
Catalytic converters contain precious metals that help to reduce harmful emissions escaping from exhausts. When global values of the metals go up, it can lead to a spate of thefts.
Since the parts are easily accessed, the crime itself is a relatively quick one for thieves to carry out. While hybrid cars are often targeted, vehicles that sit higher from the ground, such as SUVs and vans, are more likely to be stolen from too. The greater clearance under the vehicle makes their catalytic converter an easier target for thieves.
Reduce the chance of your catalytic converter being stolen
If you’re worried that thieves might target your car’s catalytic converter, there’s still hope.
Our tips below could prevent a would-be criminal from completing their next dodgy scrap metal deal.
1. CHOOSE WHERE TO PARK YOUR CAR CAREFULLY
Where possible, park your car in a locked garage.
If you don’t have the luxury of off-street parking or you’re not at home, you should park with the side of the car closest to the catalytic converter near to a fence, wall, high kerb or other vehicles, and avoid mounting the pavement on two wheels.
Catalytic converter thieves need to get under your car to get a hold of their loot. You should make this as dif icult as possible and give them limited space to use a jack and to slide beneath your vehicle to unscrew bolts or cut parts away using power tools. Some brazen criminals will work in broad daylight, but parking in well-lit areas to prevent the thieves from working under the cover of darkness can help.
2. BOOST YOUR HOME SECURITY
To boost your home security, you can invest in sturdy garage doors, CCTV systems and even alarms for your driveway. Kit out your property with three things in mind:
Prevention: Try itting reinforced garage doors or adding a motion-triggered security light overlooking your drive. A combination of both will help to deter would-be thieves before they strike.
Detection: CCTV cameras will help you to gather evidence during a theft. Look out for weatherproof models with an IP66 rating or higher, and options that capture footage in low light conditions.
Your reaction: Some driveway alarm systems will alert the police immediately when they detect an intruder. The automated technology can make all the difference after a crime and may help the police catch a leeing criminal.
Not all security features have to involve top-of-the-range technology. You can try adding gravel or other loose material to your drive to deter intruders from stepping foot on your property.
You should also ensure that fences, bushes and walls at the front of your garden are no more than one metre high. That way you give intruders less opportunity to hide and can keep an eye on your car if it’s parked on the street outside your property.
3. ADD A LOCK, GUARD OR ALARM TO YOUR VEHICLE
Locks and guards for the underside of cars are also available. However, you should declare the security features with your insurance provider and check if adding one might affect a future claim. Some manufacturers are offering locks to slow thieves down if they try to remove your catalytic converter.
Elsewhere, mechanics have started itting makeshift ‘cat cages’ as an extra layer of protection. Alternatively, you could ask a trusted garage to weld bolts shut to make them more dif icult to loosen.
4. MARK YOUR CATALYTIC CONVERTER
You can ask a garage to add a serial number to your catalytic converter too.
5. REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY TO THE POLICE
It may seem obvious but contacting the police is one of the best ways to prevent catalytic converter theft. Whatever you do, you should gather as much information as possible, including any vehicle registrations.