Just 1% Of Catalytic Converter Thefts Are Solved

New data has revealed that just 1% of catalytic converter thefts in the UK are solved by the nation’s various police forces…

Catalytic Converter Thefts Unsolved

Catalytic converter theft is a lucrative and (almost) risk-free enterprise, according to new data. A Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted by the Liberal Democrats has revealed that just 1% of all cases are solved. It also revealed that some 50,223 thefts took place over the last five years. However, just 548 suspects were identified between 2017 and 2021. The situation could be worse still, however, as the FOI didn’t cover some of the UK’s largest policing areas.

Catalytic converters are fitted to a vehicle’s exhaust system, and are designed to reduce the amount of harmful emissions produced. They typically contain rare-earth minerals, which can fetch large prices. As hybrid models tend to have the greatest concentration of precious minerals, they’re the most likely to be targeted by criminals.

‘Making it Difficult’

Simon Williams, an RAC spokesman, has offered motorists advice in protecting their vehicles’ catalytic converters. He said, ‘when at home, anyone with a lockable garage should park their car in it. But how a driver parks their car can also make a difference to how likely they are to have the catalytic converter stolen’.

He continued, ‘the key is making it difficult for someone to get around and under a vehicle, so parking close to a wall or fence – with the exhaust nearest it – can make it harder for a car to be jacked up. In a public car park, parking alongside other vehicles is also a good idea, as is pointing the bonnet towards a wall if there is one. Drivers might also want to consider investing in a ‘catloc’ or ‘cage clamp’ which locks around the catalytic converter and makes it harder to remove’.

Williams concluded, ‘if the worst does happen, it’s vital to be covered by a good and fully comprehensive insurance policy’.

Six Car Checks You Should Make This New Year – https://autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/six-car-checks-you-should-make-this-new-year/

25% of EV Drivers Are Also Driving An ICE Vehicle – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/25-of-ev-drivers-are-also-driving-an-ice-vehicle/

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