4 September 2014

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

CATALYTIC converters (CATs) controls and converts exhaust emissions from a vehicle into less toxic substances.

But did you know that CATs are valuable, due to the precious metals from which they are made?

All vehicles with a catalytic converter are at risk of theft, especially vehicles which have a high ground clearance, such as vans, 4x4s, pick-ups and people carriers, as these can provide thieves with easier access.

To reduce the risk of your catalytic converter being stolen:

• Park your vehicle in a locked garage when it’s unattended.
• If it’s not possible to store your vehicle in a garage, park it in a busy well-lit area as close to your property as possible.
• If you see anyone working under vehicles, and they are acting suspiciously, report it to the police.
• For business fleets, consider good quality, strong perimeter fencing and try defensive parking (if you have a fleet of vehicles, block those with high ground clearance using vehicles with low clearance to obstruct access underneath the vehicle).
•  Install and monitor CCTV and / or compound alarm systems.
• Mark your catalytic converter with a marking and registration system.