Catalytic converter thefts have steadily increased over the years, posing a significant challenge for UK citizens. These converters are highly valuable due to their precious metal and are easy to steal, making them the perfect target for thieves. A BBC data report stated that approximately 28000 catalytic converter thefts are reported each year, yet only 1% of these cases have been successfully resolved.
In this article, we will understand the actual reason why catalytic converter thefts are on the rise. We will also shed some light on the aftermarket value of vehicles with replaced cat converters and how you can prevent theft. Let’s get started!
What is a Catalytic Converter?
Cars generate a lot of pollution when they run, and a catalytic converter works as a filter for harmful emissions. It is a small metal device located underneath the car and is a key component of the exhaust manifold. It works by turning toxic gases like carbon monoxide into safer ones before they’re released into the air. It’s made with valuable metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which is why thieves often target them. In short, catalytic converters are a crucial component that helps protect the environment and meet environmental standards to avoid legal pollution penalties.
Chemical Reaction inside a Catalytic Converter
In a catalytic converter, one important reaction involves turning carbon monoxide (CO), a harmful gas, into carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is less toxic. Here’s how it works:
• CO from the car’s exhaust comes into contact with oxygen (O₂) over a platinum catalyst,
• The catalyst speeds up the chemical reaction without getting used up and transforms the dangerous CO into safer CO₂
This process helps reduce the toxic gases released from the vehicle’s exhaust system and makes the air cleaner.
5 Reasons Behind the Frequent Theft of Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converters are a target for thieves because they contain valuable metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. While these metals are meant to regulate and cleanse the exhaust flow, they can also fetch a high price when sold as scrap in the UK. Here are some reasons why catalytic converter thefts are on the rise:
High Valuable Metals
Catalytic converters contain precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which are worth a lot of money. Thieves can sell these metals for a good price in the illegal markets. Depending on the car model and its age, a stolen catalytic converter can be sold for £100 to £600.
They are Easy to Steal
Catalytic converters are often located underneath cars, which makes them easy to grab quickly, especially if the car is parked in a spot that’s not well-lit or secure.
The Metals are in High Demand
Metals inside catalytic converters are in high demand for making new parts or simply re-selling them. People who don’t want to work target them to make a quick profit.
Low Risk of Getting Caught
Stealing a catalytic converter doesn’t usually attract much attention, and thieves can do it quickly, which makes it a low-risk crime. Some thieves even melt the valuable metal inside it, so tracing the stolen converter becomes even harder.
Low detection rates by Authorities
Only 1% of catalytic convertor cases have been indeed solved so far. It makes the thieves feel they won’t get caught easily, and the crime feels safer.
The Effect of a Replaced Catalytic Converter on the Car Value
Replacing a catalytic converter with an aftermarket version can significantly affect the value of a vehicle. When a car’s original catalytic converter is stolen, it leads to various consequences that impact both the car owner and businesses involved in vehicle recycling, such as scrap car collectors and vehicle recyclers. Here’s how:
• Reduced Scrap Value: Aftermarket catalytic converters contain much less precious metal than the original ones. As a result, the car’s scrap value decreases, especially when the vehicle is sold without its original converter.
• Inspection and Price Adjustments: Aftermarket catalytic converters are easier to identify, and car dealers may offer you a lower price if they find that the vehicle doesn’t have the original parts. This reduces the overall resale value of the vehicle, resulting in a financial loss for the owner.
• Reduced Efficiency: Aftermarket catalytic converters may not be as efficient as the original ones, which could affect the vehicle’s emissions and performance. If your vehicle fails to meet the air pollution standards in the UK, you’ll be fined £1000 for cars and up to £2500 for vans, lorries, or buses!
Key Findings on Popular Models with Aftermarket Catalytic Converters:
Based on data from a trusted scrap my car company in the UK, certain car models are more likely to have aftermarket catalytic converters due to frequent thefts. Below is a table showing the percentage of vehicles with aftermarket converters from various makes and models:
| Rank | Scrap Car Model | % Aftermarket |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honda Jazz | 57% |
| 2 | Toyota Aygo | 35% |
| 3 | Volkswagen Beetle | 31% |
| 4 | Peugeot 107 | 31% |
| 5 | Honda Accord | 31% |
| 6 | Peugeot 206 | 28% |
| 7 | Kia Sportage | 28% |
| 8 | Honda CR-V | 27% |
| 9 | Toyota RAV4 | 27% |
| 10 | Volkswagen Polo | 26% |
These results show that the Honda Jazz is the most common model with a high percentage of aftermarket catalytic converters (57%), making it a prime target for theft. Other popular models like the Toyota Aygo (35%), Volkswagen Beetle (31%), and Peugeot 107 (31%) also rank high on the list due to similar reasons.
For owners of these vehicles, it’s essential to be aware that having an aftermarket catalytic converter can significantly reduce the resale value, especially in the scrap car market.
How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft?
If nobody is around the vehicle, it is not completely possible to prevent catalytic converter theft. Still, being a responsible car owner, you can consider the following security measures to reduce the risk:
1. Install Anti-Theft Devices or Locks
Anti-theft devices can make it more difficult for thieves to take out the converter from the scrap car quickly. This extra time can discourage opportunistic thieves.
• Catalytic Converter Shields: These anti-theft equipment are metal plates installed under the vehicle. They cover the catalytic converter and make it harder to access or remove it.
• Catalytic Converter Locks: These heavy-duty cables secure the catalytic converter to the car’s frame. These locks add an extra layer of protection, making it harder for thieves to steal the converter.
• Cages or Clamps: Steel cages or clamps are wrapped around the catalytic converter. These security tools make it much harder and more time-consuming for thieves to steal the part.
2. Park Strategically in a Secure and Lit Place
Whenever you can, park in a well-lit area with lots of people around, or better yet, in a secure garage. If you’re parking in a driveway, try to park close to a wall or other cars to make it harder for thieves to access the underside of your vehicle. Make sure there are CCTV cameras or security guards around the parking to make it hard for thieves to approach your vehicle.
3. Engrave the VIN Number on the Converter
Engraving your car’s VIN (vehicle identification number) onto the catalytic converter makes it easier to trace, which can discourage thieves from stealing it. Currently, some garages or vehicle service providers may offer this free of charge to the owner, so it’s a free added security measure.
4. Install Motion-Sensitive Alarms
Installing a motion-sensitive alarm will alert you if someone tries to tamper with your car. Some alarms can even send an alert to your phone so you can respond right away.
What To Do If I See A Catalytic Converter Theft?
If you see a vehicle being raised with a car jack in a parking place or residential area by a suspicious person, It might be a sign of a catalyst converter theft. If you see one, be calm and take these actions:
• Immediately Call 999 if the crime is happening at the moment. Not sure if it is even a theft? It’s always better to report it and let the authorities decide.
• Try to take photos of the suspects or their car’s number plate, but only from a safe distance. Never approach them directly — they may act violently.
• If the catalytic converter theft has already happened, you can report it online to the Metropolitan Police or at your local police station.
In a Wrap
Although catalytic converter theft is a big problem in the UK, there are steps you can take to protect your vehicle. From installing anti-theft devices to parking in well-lit areas, taking these precautions can help reduce the risk. By staying vigilant and taking action immediately, you can safeguard your car and help combat this growing issue.
Stay informed, take preventive measures, and if you ever witness suspicious activity, don’t hesitate to report it.