Catalytic Converter Theft
Demand for precious metals and parts that contain them is rising
The price of fuel may be falling now, but in these harder times the demand for precious metals, and parts that contain them, is rising – catalytic converters are one of the targets.
Catalytic converters (CATs) have been fitted in the exhaust of the majority of petrol cars manufactured since 1992 and by chemical reaction substantially reduce harmful pollutants from the exhaust.
The metal case of the CAT contains a ceramic honeycombed structure providing a massive surface area across which the exhaust gases flow.
Precious metals – platinum, palladium and rhodium – are coated onto this ceramic structure as catalysts (a catalyst modifies and increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed itself) for the reactions that 'clean' the exhaust;
- Oxidising (adding oxygen) carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbons to form carbon dioxide and water, and
- Reducing (remove oxygen) from other gases such as oxides of nitrogen
Theft
Over the last year there has been a noticeable increase in thefts of catalytic converters – it seems that thieves are simply cutting the catalytic converter out of the exhaust pipe of parked cars and selling them to scrap metal dealers.
Taller vehicles (4x4s) are particularly vulnerable as the converters are more accessible and, because they tend to have larger engines, they contain more of the precious metals too.
The precious metals can't be physically removed from the ceramic honeycomb which must instead undergo a chemical process known as 'carbochlorination' – generally abroad in countries such as China, Poland, Canada and Latvia.
Once an unmarked converter has been removed from a vehicle it's quite difficult to match it to that vehicle as there aren't any distinguishing marks.
To reduce the risk of theft of your car's catalytic converter:
- Garage your car whenever possible
- Park in well-lit busy areas
- Look out for people working under cars
- If the car's high risk consider marking the metal shell of the converter with a unique mark so if it is removed by thieves it will be easier to trace back to your vehicle
Marking system
Retainagroup offer a kit consisting of a virtually indestructible sticker, metal marking fluid and a window sticker (to warn thieves that the catalytic converter carries an identification mark). It costs £11.87 including VAT and postage.
Each mark contains a seven digit code and a 24 hour telephone number for the International Security Register who store the code against vehicle details.
A catalyst marking kit can be ordered from the following secure link: www.TheISR.org or by phoning 01233 333000.
15 December 2008