Catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed thanks to increased prices for the platinum, palladium, and rhodium that reside inside them.
This has made catalytic converters an appealing target for thieves and they’re relatively easy to steal with a battery-powered reciprocating saw. Unfortunately for victims, this usually results in pricey repairs as owners not only have to replace the catalytic converter itself, but some of the exhaust system.
While catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise, it appears police in the United Kingdom haven’t had much success in catching those responsible. According to the BBC, tens of thousands of cases have gone unsolved and data from 20 police forces in England and Wales showed there were 50,223 thefts between 2017 and 2021.
Also: Multimillion-Dollar Catalytic Converter Theft Operation Thwarted By U.S. Law Enforcement
36,586 thefts occurred in London alone, but only 544 of them were solved. Unfortunately, that’s the good news as police only solved four other cases elsewhere. In particular, the BBC noted there were 915 thefts in Hertfordshire and 669 thefts in South Yorkshire two years ago, but no one has been charged for those incidents.
A Home Office spokesperson told the publication, “We recognize the impact that theft can have on victims and we want offenders charged and brought to justice in the courts.” They added there has been “significant success in tackling metal theft through coordinated national action against scrap metal dealers – including a marked increase in enforcement action from police and partner agencies.”
While police are well aware of the issue, the best way to prevent catalytic converter theft is to be proactive and park in a locked garage. If that’s not an option, drivers should park in a well-lit area or look into purchasing a catalytic converter shield. Toyota will offer one on the redesigned Prius and it might be worth the $140 price tag if catalytic converter theft is rampant in your area.