Catalytic Converter Theft – Don’t Let Your ‘Cat’ Out Of The Bag.

Catalytic Converter Theft – Don’t Let Your ‘Cat’ Out Of The Bag.

Over the last few years there has been a sugre in the theft of catalytic converters from the exhausts of cars. Thefts of these components have become popular in recent times because of their worth, how easy they are to steal, plus their lack of identification. Amazingly, the top three most expensive precious metals found within a catalytic converter – rhodium, palladium and platinum – are commonly used in everyday products such as electronics and jewellery. As little as three-to-seven grammes of such metals will actually be in the honeycomb structure inside the catalytic converter but that could be worth as much as €150-€200 once extracted. If it is palladium, then it could be worth twice that amount.

Be Vigilant;

Even though all cars with an exhaust are vunerable to being a target, crime records have shown that thieves are more inclined to cut catalytic converters from hybrid cars and SUV’s. Because of the dual power source in hybrid cars, (combining electric energy with standard fuel), the catalytic converters in such vehicles suffer less wear and tear. As a result, the precious metal components are less likely to corrode and are therefore more lucrative for thieves. There have been countless reported catalytic converter thefts all over Ireland in recent times with the age of vehicle chosen as a target being seemingly irrelevant. As a result, the public are being warned to be vigilant of the rise in thefts of catalytic converters, along with oxygen sensors which are located in the same area. Any suspicious activity should always be reported to the Gardaí without delay.

Gone in 90-Seconds;

The converter attached to the exhaust is taken by jacking the car up, with some professional thieves capable of taking them within 90 seconds. A lot of these thefts occur in broad daylight in public car parks, or on road parking areas, so don’t be fooled into thinking that such thefts only occour after dark, or in pooly lit areas. Residential locations are targeted mainly overnight, when the unsuspecting motorist is tucked up in bed for the night.

Important Deterrent;

The main advice to prevent your catalytic converter being stolen is to be careful where you park – try to park close to a wall or fence to make it harder to jack the car up. Having automatic lights on your driveway, triggered by a motion sensor would also be advisable. Additionally, you could mark the catalyic converter with a serial number. This can be done in many garages, where a unique serial number is etched onto your catalytic converter so it can be easily identified if stolen, and you will also be given a sticker to be displayed in your window telling potential thiefs that your catalytic converter is marked. A Catloc is another option, as this device locks in around the converter to make it more difficult to remove. The Catloc doesn’t guarantee theft prevention but it does make cutting the catalytic converter out more difficult. If your catalytic converter is bolted on, you can ask for your local garage to weld the bolts to make it more difficult to remove. Having a car alarm installed will also deter thieves, as will fitting a CatClamp which clamps to the exhaust pipe (and not the converter), thereby allowing for different sized and shaped converters to be protected. This eliminates the risk of damaging the converter, heat shield or oxygen sensors. When a CatClamp is locked to the vehicle’s chassis multiple times, it makes stealing your catalytic converter very difficult for a thief in a hurry.

Expensive Replacement Cost;

To replace a stolen catalytic converter can be a very expensive exercise, but most comprehensive insurance companies will cover the replacement cost (less an excess, if applicable). However, it is the inconvenience of having to keep your car off the road while you wait for a replacement part to be sourced and fitted will be a bigger burden for many motorists. Driving a car with its catalytic converter removed will make every journey noisy, and uncomfortable to say the least, but it is always advisable to check with a service department representing the brand of vehicle you are driving to see if your vehicle should be towed home instead of being driven.