Catalytic converter theft has risen dramatically over the last few years. Why is this happening and what does a catalytic converter do? In this blog we’ll cover the catalytic converter basics and give some tips on how to prevent the theft of yours.
What Is A Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter in an essential part of a modern car. It is a type of filter that catches harmful chemicals and converts them into less harmful chemicals. It then releases the new chemicals into the atmosphere through the exhaust.
A petrol car engine produces toxic pollutants such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. These cause damage to the environment and contribute to lower air quality. When these chemicals are sent through the catalytic converter, they are converted into carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapour.
This process works by covering the internal honeycomb-like structure of the catalytic converter in a coating that includes precious metals. The coating acts as a ‘catalyst’ and changes the chemicals. The metals used are platinum, palladium and rhodium.
Why Are Catalytic Converters Stolen?
Catalytic converters are stolen because the precious metals are worth a lot of money on the black market. They can be stolen very easily, given the right circumstances, and sold for hundreds of pounds. They are considered to be very lucrative to steal.
The last few years has seen a dramatic increase in price for palladium, platinum and rhodium because of their increasing rarity and growing demand. In 2022, palladium was worth about £1,794 per ounce, platinum worth about £771 per ounce and rhodium was worth around £12,259 per ounce. That makes palladium and rhodium more expensive than gold. In 2019 rhodium was being sold for £4,000 per ounce, so just in four years, that has seen an increase of over 200% in price.
The number of thefts rose alarmingly quickly from 2018 to 2019. In 2018 there were 1,674 catalytic converter thefts in the whole year. However, in just the first six months of 2019, there were 2,894 thefts. Over the pandemic, Secured by Design stated thefts increased by 64%. By May 2022, the amount of catalytic converters stolen over the three years 2019, 2020, and 2021 came to a shocking 39,900.
Who is at most risk to have their catalytic converter stolen?
Using information gathered about the increasing thefts, vans, SUVs and hybrid cars are the most likely to have their catalytic converters stolen.
With SUVs and vans, this is because they are higher off the ground so there is more space for a person to get underneath.
Hybrid cars are a target for two reasons:
- They usually produce lower emissions so have more of the metals in their converter.
- They have two methods for operating so if electric is used, the catalytic converter will be in better condition and so will the metals.
Cars that are parked half on and off the pavement are easier for thieves to get under. Cars left in empty car parks or unlit areas are vulnerable.
That said, there have been cases of thieves stealing multiple catalytic converters from carparks in broad daylight.
Most cars have their catalytic converters under the car, near the exhaust which is an easy place to access. Some are nearer the engine. These are less likely to be stolen as they are much harder to access. It can be a good idea to find out where yours is located.
How can you prevent your catalytic converter being stolen?
There are several recommendations from insurance companies and the police to prevent the theft of a catalytic converter. Some of these tips will help catch the thieves if they are successful.
- Park in a locked and secured garage if you can.
- Park up against the wall, fence or another car so it is harder for someone access the catalytic converter.
- Keep your car in a well-lit area.
- Install CCTV in the area where you keep your car.
- Get your catalytic converter marked with a security serial number.
- Have your catalytic converter clamped or welded on.
- Install an anti-tilt alarm in your car.
What to do if your catalytic converter has been stolen?
We don’t all check underneath our cars before we make a journey so how can you tell if your catalytic converter has been stolen?
- The engine feels sluggish
- Reduced acceleration
- The exhaust smoke is dark and smells like rotten eggs
- You feel excessive heat coming from underneath the car
These issues can also occur if the catalytic converter has been damaged from an unsuccessful theft attempt.
If your catalytic converter has been stolen you should call the police and report it. You can call 101 unless you suspect the theft is in progress. In this case, the police do not recommend you approach the thieves as they can become violent. Call 999 and make a note of the number plate, car and what they look like.
The next step is to let your insurance provider know. Some insurers offer cover for catalytic converter theft. This is because they can cost over a thousand pounds to replace. Sometimes, the damage done to the car during the removal, causes the car to be written off.
Catalytic converters are the second most popular car part to be stolen in the UK. Try using our tips to help prevent becoming a victim of this costly crime.
For all your automotive needs, including servicing and MOTs, contact the Bodymek team in Northampton.
