Essex police confirm catalytic converter theft on rise - what now for Chigwell?

Catalytic Converter theft is on the rise again, with reported incidents increasing by more than 600% in 2019, says insurance giant LV (click here)

With  13,000 reported cases in England and Wales - up from 2,000 the previous year, the crime has become the bane of many communities.

Criminal gangs stealing catalytic converters are predominantly operating in the capital, though footage of thefts from residents in Chigwell and other parts of Essex, suggest the geographical density for the crime is widening.

A BBC said criminals are actively targeting hospitals where cars are often parked for long periods unattended.  This results in a large number of NHS staff being sickeningly victimised.  Southend Hospital is one of the worst hit areas in Essex for this crime.

Analysis of the cars most often targeted by catalytic converter thieves, suggests that, Hybrid versions of Honda Jazz, Lexus RX and Toyota's Auris and Prius are most at risk, warns Admiral Insurance.  

The lockdown provided a temporary reprieves from these crimes as well as other types of theft and burglary.  However, since the lockdown eased in June thieves seem to be making up for lost time.

The devices are stolen for an array of valuable materials inside them including palladium, rhodium and platinum -  criminal gangs are well aware of this small fortune stored beneath your vehicle. You should be extremely wary if you drive a hybrid as they have higher concentration of the precious metals.

All petrol cars manufactured from 1993 have catalytic converters which reduce harmful pollutants emitted from vehicle exhaust pipes.

They do this by taking the gases produced and converting them into water vapour and less harmful emissions via a series of chemical reactions. 

Currently, palladium is more valuable than gold, having doubled over two years, while rhodium is more than four times higher in value than gold.  Whereas Platinum is currently half the value of gold.

Crime gangs will have buyers already lined up and simply need to drive up to your car, jack it up and saw of two pipe ends to steal your catalytic converter and make their money.  The damage caused by thieves often results in huge repair bills or even write-offs for the owners. Moreover police can charge drivers £1000 for driving without a catalytic converter, due to the emission of noxious fumes.

After news received from Essex Police suggesting catalytic converter theft is a major problem across Essex and London (click here), CRRA decided to find ways to protect local people and for local people to be able to protect themselves..

We have already partnered with Gravel Lane Auto and agreed a 20% discount for parts and labour, for anyone who wants to install a Cat-lock.  Ash from the company, said:

"Hi Wilson,

Thanks for your email reference to the theft of CATs being stolen of vehicles in the Chigwell area, we are happy to offer upto 20% discount on various models of vehicles. 

You must mention the CRRA to validate your discount for the purchase for CAT and Labour.

"Please don't hesitate to contact me for any further help or assistance."

Please quote 'CRRA is the best' when applying for your discount.  Gravel Lane Auto can be contacted on 020 8502 6868.  

We obtained the name of Gravel Lane Auto from a local man who has already used their services. We want to monitor usage of the discount system and to ensure a fair practice is applied, so please do email us details of any services you obtain under the discount programme.  You can email us at wilson@eastilfordbettermentpartnership.org

We have now trawled through the internet and combined all the best advice for local people to protect their vehicle assets.

Park vehicles so as to prevent access underneath

In order to steal the parts, thieves need to slide under the vehicle and use cutting tools to detach the box from the pipes around it. This means parking your car close to fences, walls or kerbs will make theft much more difficult.

Mark catalytic converters with a serial number

You can purchase a catalytic converter marking pack for less than £20 and should write your VIN number. Alternatively, some garages will etch a unique serial number onto your catalytic converter so it can be easily identified if it is stolen. A sticker is also provided that warns thieves it has been marked.

Ask a garage to weld your device bolts

If your catalytic converter is bolted on, you can ask for your local garage to weld the bolts to make it more difficult to remove.

Catloc

You can purchase devices that lock in around the converter to make it more difficult to remove. Most manufacturers will have their own.  They can cost up to £250 but when pitched against potential losses in the £1000's it is an option to be considered.

Motion detecting CCTV or dash cam Installation:

It won't stop thieves but may deter opportunists that are looking for the least risky crime. Moreover, after a crime it increase the chance that criminals will be caught.

Park in well lit areas with good footfall

Thieves are less likely to commit crimes in areas where they could be seen.

Install a tilt alarm

This would trigger if your car is being jacked up for removal of your converter.  The noise would raise awareness of the crime and frighten the potential thief.

Install a CatClamp

CatClamps  'clamp' to exhaust pipes, not the converter, allowing different sized and shaped converters to be protected. This eliminates the risk of damaging the converter, heat shield or oxygen sensors. Locked to the vehicle’s chassis up to seven times, it makes stealing your catalytic converter very difficult for a thief in a hurry (click here).

Store your vehicle off road

If you have a garage use it.

Blocking access to the underside of fleet vehicles

If you operate a small fleet, consider obstructing access to vehicles with high ground clearance by parking lower vehicles close by. 

Avoid mounting your car on the pavement.

Avoid mounting your car on the kerb to park as it gives thieves easy access to the underneath of your car.

Report suspicions to the police

If you see someone acting suspiciously under a vehicle, report it to the police