Catalytic converters are targeted because of the precious metals that they are made with, namely rhodium, platinum and palladium. Thieves simply cut the catalytic converter from the exhaust pipe of a parked car and sell them on to scrap metal dealers. Taller vehicles are more vulnerable as the catalytic converters are easier to access.

To reduce the risk of having your catalytic converter stolen you could

1. Purchase anti-theft products such as Catloc – a Sold Secure approved product (find out more about Catloc’s Secured by Design’s Police Preferred Specification here)
2. Park to restrict access to the underneath of the car
3. Ask your dealer to weld the catalytic converter to the car
4. Fit a tilt alarm
5. Register your converter and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of

For more information on catalytic converter theft, have a look at this BBC One Inside Out Catalytic Converter Theft video from March 2020.