Catalytic Converter Thefts and Advice

The theft of catalytic converters seems to be a growing crime, including a theft of one in the Ikea car park which is extremely busy. The advice here is to try and park in open and light spaces even in busy public car parks! We are often told that there is very little that car owners can do to protect against this crime. However, Sanderstead police have issued some very good advice below. Please read:

We have recently seen an increase in motor vehicle offences, specifically Catalytic Converters are being stolen from specific vehicles.

Makes & Models being targeted (All Hybrid vehicles) :

* Lexus Rx400   * Honda Accord & Jazz   * Toyota Prius & Auris.

How the theft works:

A catalytic converter is located in a box on the exhaust pipe under a car. In order to steal it, thieves slide under the car and use high-powered cutting tools to detach the box from the pipes around it.

The metals are expensive and include metals such as palladium, rhodium, and platinum. The thieves sell the converters for a couple of hundred per piece, depending on the size of the converter and the current rate on the metals inside it. It could cost you up to £2000 to replace a catalytic converter and it is illegal to drive your car without one.

What the police advise:

• Parking your car in a garage overnight • Ensuring your car is parked to make accessing the catalytic converter harder • Trying to park in a location that is well-lit and overlooked • Installing CCTV to cover where your car is parked • Marking your catalytic converter with a forensic marker which can make it harder to sell on by thieves

If you own one of the above makes of car, look to speak to your manufacturer about a “Catloc”, a device which makes it harder for thieves to detach the catalytic converter from the bottom of the car.

You should also register your converter and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of. Visit securedbydesign.com for more detail.

The Mayor of Croydon’s Knife Crime Seminar

20 February 2020 in the Town Hall, Croydon

Croydon NHW are proud to be supporting the Mayor’s first ever Knife Crime Seminar for young people on 20 February in Croydon.

The Mayor is hoping to showcase some of the initiatives Croydon is undertaking to help young people cope with the issue of knife crime/ help prevent knife crime in the borough. There will be talks and stalls offering information and advice. If you would like to attend and/or know some young people that would like to attend, please register via Eventbrite. The event is free.