Catalytic Converter Theft: Why They’re Targeted And How To 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 Data, although slightly outdated, from the RAC suggests that 100,000 catalytic converters were stolen between 2019 and 2022.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?

🚗 How to protect your car from catalytic converter theft

🚗 Sounding off

What Is A Catalytic Converter?

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.

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.

• Pay for an alarm system under your car. 
  This can be activated when you leave the vehicle and would go off if a thief attempted to remove your catalytic converter.
• Put a cover over 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.
• Consider purchasing a garage or adding extra security on your driveway.
  These are both costly options, but go someway to also protecting you against general vehicle theft.

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.

Sounding Off

Catalytic converters are valuable parts of a car, not just in their price. They help cars reduce harmful emissions, using expensive metals to trigger reactions. While this is great for limiting harmful emissions, it makes your car a threat to thieves. Consider the advice above to protect your car and be aware of any suspicion around your vehicle.