Catalytic converter theft: the car stays, a part disappears
Most at risk: Hybrids, SUVs and vans with higher ground clearance, parked on streets or in open car parks.
What catalytic converter theft is
A catalytic converter cleans exhaust gases and contains small amounts of precious metals that are valuable as scrap. Thieves remove it from underneath a parked vehicle, often in a few minutes, and sell it on.
The vehicle is left behind, but it will sound very loud when started and may not be safe or legal to drive. The College of Policing highlights marking, guards and secure parking as the main ways to cut this crime.
How owners usually notice: A sudden roar from the exhaust on start-up, or cut metal and debris beneath the car.
Stop catalytic converter theft with dual layer protection
Layer one: a physical guard
A fitted converter guard or cage makes removal slower and noisier, and marking the part with a unique code makes it harder for thieves to sell. Read more.
Layer two: an alarm that senses tilt
Most thefts need the car lifted, so an alarm or tracker with tilt sensing gives an alert while the thieves are still underneath. Read more.
Talk to an installer about both layers.
Everyday habits that help
- Park in a garage, or close to a wall or kerb so the underside is hard to reach.
- Choose busy, well-lit and camera-covered spaces.
- Ask your dealer or garage about marking the converter.
Latest UK reports
No fresh catalytic converter theft stories from trusted UK outlets right now. This list refreshes itself daily from police and press feeds.
Official sources
- College of Policing: reducing theft of catalytic converters
- Metropolitan Police: catalytic converter theft