What Is Catalytic Converter Theft And How Can You Stop It?

Cars are complex and made up of hundreds of parts. Some of these parts tend to be more valuable than others and are targeted by thieves as a result. One of these common targets is the catalytic converter. Data, although slightly outdated, from the RAC suggests that 100,000 catalytic converters were stolen between 2019 and 2022. Popular vehicles for catalytic converter theft include the Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris, Honda Jazz and Honda CR-V. You might be wondering, what is a catalytic converter? What makes it so popular amongst thieves? We’ve explored this growing trend below.

🚗 What is a catalytic converter?

🚗 Why are catalytic converters stolen?

🚗 Which cars are most at risk of catalytic converter theft?

🚗 How long does it take to steal a catalytic converter?

🚗 How do I know if my catalytic converter has been stolen?

🚗 What should I do if my catalytic converter is stolen?

🚗 How to protect your car from catalytic converter theft

🚗 Sounding off

What Is A Catalytic Converter?

Quick summary: A catalytic converter is part of a vehicle's exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions. It contains valuable precious metals including platinum, palladium and rhodium, making it a common target for thieves.

A catalytic converter is a piece of kit that sits in your exhaust system, aiming to reduce harmful emissions. It does this by triggering a reaction using platinum, palladium, and rhodium, three rare metals that have become targets for theft. Thieves look to steal catalytic converters in the hopes of stripping them down and selling the rarer parts, usually pocketing around £500 in the process.

If your catalytic converter is stolen, you could face a bill of over £1,000, so guarding against this is key.

Why Are Catalytic Converters Stolen?

Quick summary: Catalytic converters contain valuable precious metals including platinum, palladium and rhodium. These metals can be sold for hundreds of pounds, making converters a common target for thieves.

Catalytic converters are made up of metals that can be sold of for hundreds of pounds. For this reason, thieves target them and take them apart to sell on individually. Here are some of the metals that make up a catalytic converter:

• Platinum
• Palladium
• Rhodium

These metals have a high scrap value and are difficult to trace, making them an ideal target for thieves.

Which Cars Are Most At Risk Of Catalytic Converter Theft?

Quick summary: Hybrid vehicles, SUVs and vans are commonly targeted because catalytic converters contain higher quantities of valuable metals and are often easier to access underneath the vehicle.

Here are the cars most at risk of catalytic converter theft:

How Long Does It Take To Steal A Catalytic Converter?

Experienced thieves can remove a catalytic converter in under two minutes using battery-powered cutting tools.

How Do I Know If My Catalytic Converter Has Been Stolen?

Quick summary: A missing catalytic converter usually causes a very loud exhaust noise, a check engine warning light and potential performance issues.

Look out for these signs to see if your catalytic converter has been stolen:

• Loud roaring sound
• Engine management light
• Failed emissions test
• Reduced efficiency
• Report crime reference number
• Contact insurer
• Obtain repair quote
• Avoid driving if unsafe

What Should I Do If My Catalytic Converter Is Stolen?

Quick summary: If your catalytic converter has been stolen, contact the police, notify your insurer and arrange for a repair as soon as possible.

If your catalytic converter has been stolen:

• Report crime reference number
• Contact insurer
• Obtain repair quote
• Avoid driving if unsafe

How To Protect Your Car From Catalytic Converter Theft

There are actually quite a few ways to protect against theft, with some more common than others. Some quick fixes that don’t require spending include:

• Avoiding parking on kerbs where the raised level of the car makes it easier for people to get under.
• Park in well-lit areas or places where CCTV is present.
• Find out the serial number of your catalytic converter by contacting your garage and keep a note of it. This can help identify if it’s ever been stolen and potentially track it down.

You can also take some extra measures. These require spending some money, but it is more than worth it to prevent a bill of upwards of £1,000 if your converter happens to be stolen.

Fit An Alarm System To Your Car

This can be activated when you leave the vehicle and would go off if a thief attempted to remove your catalytic converter.

Install A Catalytic Converter Shield

Catalytic converter shields, steel cages and security cables make it much harder for thieves to access and remove the converter.
Even a simple covering could hold off intruders just enough for someone to notice. A catalytic converter theft can be done in minutes; adding a cover can potentially delay them.

Purchase A Garage Or Add Security To Your Driveway

These are both costly options, but go someway to also protecting you against general vehicle theft.

Mark Your Catalytic Converter With A VIN

Taking active measures to deter thieves from approaching your vehicle will go a long way to reducing the risk of catalytic converter theft.

Per Police advice, if you spot anyone acting suspiciously around your vehicle, contact them straight away.

FAQs

Can You Drive Without A Catalytic Converter?

Quick summary: A car can usually still drive without a catalytic converter, but it will be much louder, produce higher emissions and may fail its MOT. Driving without a catalytic converter may also be illegal if the vehicle no longer meets emissions requirements.

A catalytic converter helps reduce harmful exhaust gases before they enter the atmosphere. If it is removed, the vehicle will often produce a loud roaring noise and may trigger warning lights on the dashboard. While the engine may still run, the vehicle could fail emissions testing and require repairs before it can be legally used on the road.

Are Catalytic Converters Worth More Than Gold?

Quick summary: The precious metals inside catalytic converters can sometimes be worth more than gold by weight, particularly rhodium and palladium. This is one reason catalytic converters are frequently targeted by thieves.

Catalytic converters contain platinum, palladium and rhodium. These metals help convert harmful exhaust gases into less harmful emissions. Fluctuating market prices mean some of these metals can become extremely valuable, increasing demand for stolen catalytic converters.

Which Cars Are Most Commonly Targeted?

Quick summary: Hybrid vehicles, SUVs and vans are among the most common targets for catalytic converter theft because their converters often contain valuable metals and can be easier to access.

Commonly targeted vehicles include the Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris, Honda Jazz and Honda CR-V. SUVs and vans are also attractive to thieves because their higher ground clearance makes it easier to reach the exhaust system without lifting the vehicle.

Does Insurance Cover Catalytic Converter Theft?

Quick summary: Comprehensive car insurance policies will often cover catalytic converter theft, although excess payments and policy terms may apply.

If your catalytic converter is stolen, you should contact your insurer as soon as possible. Most insurers will require a crime reference number and evidence of the damage. Always check your policy documents to understand exactly what is covered and whether theft protection requirements apply.

How Much Does A Replacement Catalytic Converter Cost?

Quick summary: Replacing a catalytic converter can cost anywhere from several hundred pounds to well over £1,000 depending on the vehicle, parts required and labour costs.

The total cost will depend on the make and model of the vehicle and whether genuine manufacturer parts or aftermarket alternatives are used. Labour costs can also vary significantly between garages and regions.

How Long Does It Take To Steal One?

Quick summary: Experienced thieves can remove a catalytic converter in under two minutes using battery-powered cutting tools.

Because catalytic converters are mounted underneath the vehicle, thieves can often gain access quickly, particularly on SUVs and vans. Theft can take place in broad daylight or overnight, making preventative measures such as alarms, security lighting and catalytic converter shields worthwhile.

Are Catalytic Converter Shields Effective?

Quick summary: Catalytic converter shields can be an effective deterrent because they make the converter more difficult and time-consuming to remove.

Shields are usually made from strong steel or aluminium and are fitted around the catalytic converter. While they cannot completely prevent theft, they can increase the effort required, encouraging thieves to move on to an easier target.