Thieves are targeting catalytic converters because they contain traces of precious metals that clean the vehicle’s toxic emissions. This leaves vehicles disabled, the exhaust system damaged and repair bills that can run from £500 to £2,500, or more.
Latest figures gathered from UK police forces show from April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013, there have been 9,739 reported catalytic converter thefts in the UK. London was the worst affected area with over 1,700 thefts reported. The national cost to insurers, vehicle owners and company fleets is over £10m – and that is only what has been reported, police add.
James Coomber, Acting Inspector and London Co-ordinator for Metal Theft Operations for the Metropolitan Police, says of the problem in London: “In 2010 we began to notice a significant increase in catalytic converter thefts across London. Despite a 50 per cent decrease in general metal theft over the last year, catalytic converter thefts are increasing as a proportion of all metal theft. In 2013 there have been 742 catalytic converter thefts. North London is worst affected.”
The most targeted vehicles are vans, pick ups, 4x4s and motorhomes because they have a higher ground clearance, making the catalytic converter easier to steal. The Mercedes Sprinter alone makes up for 44 per cent of all catalytic converter thefts in the UK, according to police.
Fleet Talk, a fleet services company, is working with UK police forces, vehicle manufacturers and insurers with their CatClamp products to help tackle this rising crime. The CatClamp MAXX is a catalytic converter lock, which has passed strict independent attack tests, making it the only catalytic converter lock in the UK to gain approval by Secured by Design.
Kevin Heater, Director of Fleet Talk, says: “Our Secured by Design membership makes a very powerful statement about the high quality of the CatClamp MAXX product which is an achievement we are very proud of.”
James Coomber, Metropolitan Police, adds: “We welcome any products designed to tackle converter thefts, especially those endorsed by the Police Secured by Design Initiative, and will be working closely with partners to drive down this crime type.”
Fleet Talk has also added the Secured by Design-approved SmartWater forensic marker for added layers of security. SmartWater have developed a new high-temperature marker, designed for vehicle exhausts and catalytic converters that will not degrade under the high temperatures catalytic converters reach.
Fleet Talk have partnered with the National Accident Repair Group (NARG) to install the CatClamp products. The NARG is a group of UK accident repair companies.
Mr Heater says: “We believe we are well positioned to offer UK insurers the best solution to tackle this £10m problem they face and reduce claims. With two tried and tested, police-approved products and an insurance-friendly and recognised installation network, we are confident we offer the level of comfort they need and welcome any dialogue from the insurers.”
