Thefts of catalytic converters have soared by more than 100 percent in the past year, according to new data.
Figures obtained from 25 police forces via Freedom of Information requests by consumer group Which? showed a 104 percent rise in devices being stolen between 2019 and 2020.
Which? said organised gangs are ‘targeting tens of cars each day’ as the scrap value of a single ‘cat’ is £400 at present.
Sales via social media make it difficult for the police to trace criminals, too. Despite being an offence under the 2013 Scrap Metal Dealers Act, the publication found advertisements on Facebook offering cash for catalytic converters.
Scrap metal dealers and collectors must now also be licensed, although frequently there are no obvious credentials displayed by Facebook users, Which? added.
A nationwide problem
The West Midlands has some of the largest numbers of catalytic converter thefts, often focused on hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars, but the problem has spread across the country. The county of Dorset, for example, saw a 187 percent increase in 2020.
“Catalytic converter thefts can leave victims with pricey repair bills, rising premiums or even complete write-offs, so it’s concerning to see such a huge spike in these crimes across the country,” said Harry Rose, editor of Which?
“To minimise the chance of your car being targeted you should consider installing traceable marking tools and a Catloc on your converter, or park in an area covered by CCTV. These steps could help to identify or deter thieves.”
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