Catalytic converter theft on the rise

Introduction

Catalytic converter theft is not a new crime in the UK, but in recent years it has risen exceedingly high. Not only is it a huge nuisance to turn on your engine and find out that a vital piece of your vehicle has been removed, but your insurance premiums could also rise if a claim is made for a replacement, or even worse your vehicle could be beyond repair if it’s much older.

What is a catalytic converter?

A catalytic converter is a crucial part of the exhaust system located underneath your vehicle, its job is to reduce toxic emissions, converting harmful substances in exhaust gasses such as carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide and hydrocarbons into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide and water vapour this happens through various chemical reactions.

Why are catalytic converters being stolen?

Because they contain such high-value metals such as palladium, rhodium and platinum, this makes them extremely attractive to thieves as they can make a couple of hundred pounds for a few minutes of easy work. Even though it is illegal to be paid for scrap metal with cash, some traders will unfortunately still buy stolen metals for cash, which makes it more difficult to trace the theft.

How do thieves remove catalytic converters?

The catalytic converter is fitted on to the exhaust system making it extremely accessible and unfortunately, it is a very simple process to remove – thieves get under the vehicle and use high-powered cutting tools or simple bolt cutters to detach it from the surrounding pipes.

Are some vehicles more vulnerable than others?

Yes, certain vehicles are more frequently targeted by thieves for catalytic converters. Pick-up trucks, 4x4s and particularly the Honda Jazz and Honda Accord tend to be at risk the most, due to a large amount of clearance space between the ground and exhaust system, making it easy for the catalytic converter to be removed.

Hybrids are also a huge victim because they have two sources of power, an electric motor and a petrol or diesel engine, meaning the catalytic converter is less likely to be converting toxic gasses. This makes the metals inside them less likely to deteriorate, making them much more valuable.

What is the solution to protect my vehicle?

To take action against the ever-rising number of catalytic converter thefts, Truckman is now offering Catalytic Converter Locks from Catloc® a security device that has been designed to prevent thieves from tampering with a vehicle’s catalytic components.

Catloc® is manufactured from long-lasting, marine-grade stainless steel and is supplied with high-security anti-tamper fixings, providing your catalytic converter with ultra-strong and durable protection.

Each Catloc® kit includes an international security register coding kit, this allows a unique code to be etched into the metal. The code can then be registered and used by police to prosecute thieves.

How do I know which Catloc® will fit my vehicle?

To find the correct solution for your vehicle, take a look at our vehicle-specific locks. If your vehicle is not listed, then a universal Catloc® may be the ideal solution. To find the best fitting universal lock for your vehicle firstly measure the catalytic converter’s circumference and note the shape.

If your vehicle's catalytic converter measures between 203 and 585mm in circumference and/or is clamshell/lozenge-shaped, then choose the SCATLOC1001. If the circumference measures between 406 - 508mm and is round/cylindrical in shape then choose the SCATLOC1002, if the measurement is between 495 - 609mm choose the SCATLOC1002XL. You will then need to locate an anchor point within 2 metres of your converter to fix the locks security cables to the vehicle.