THERE has been an alarming increase in catalytic converter thefts in Dorset and beyond as thieves aim to make a quick profit off stolen car parts.

Insurer Ageas said the crime accounted for 30 per cent of theft from private vehicle claims it received during the first three months of the year, up from 20 per cent between October and December 2019.

Dorset Police say catalytic converter thefts are on the rise across the county, with one recent incident that saw two people trying to steal a catalytic converter in Sturminster Newton at night on Monday, April 19.

This is what you need to know and how to keep your vehicle safe.

  • Has your vehicle been targeted? Would you like to tell me your story and how you have been affected? Email me at michael.taylor@newsquest.co.uk

What are catalytic converters?

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Catalytic converters have been stolen from vehicles across North Dorset. Picture: North Dorset PoliceCatalytic converters have been stolen from vehicles across North Dorset. Picture: North Dorset Police

Catalytic converters form part of a car’s exhaust system. They contain a honeycomb coated with precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium which help to reduce and filter harmful gases from the vehicles’ exhaust systems.

Cars that have had their converter stolen cannot be legally driven. Replacement catalytic converters can cost up to £1,000, which can be very costly for targeted motorists. 

How are catalytic converters removed?

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Thieves attempt to remove catalytic converter from a vehicle. Picture: Dorset PoliceThieves attempt to remove catalytic converter from a vehicle. Picture: Dorset Police

This car part can be removed by using power tools, or otherwise a jack, or an angle grinder.

Dorset Police say the process can take under a minute to do.  

How do I know if my vehicle’s catalytic converter has been stolen?

The RAC state that while drivers are often ‘oblivious’ of their catalytic converter being stolen – but an easy way of knowing if it has been removed is if the vehicle suddenly becomes ‘excessively noisy’.

Why are they being stolen?

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Catalytic converter theft in Sturminster Newton (PHOTO: Dorset Police)Catalytic converter theft in Sturminster Newton (PHOTO: Dorset Police)

Simply put, they are stolen because they can be sold on and money can be made from the precious metals inside them.

Thieves can make hundreds of pounds by £500 selling a catalytic converter on the black market.

Ageas insurance say prices of rhodium hit a record high earlier this year, up more than 200 per cent since March 2020.

How can I protect my car from being targeted by thieves?

RAC spokesman Simon Williams commented: “We’d strongly recommend motorists get in the habit of taking extra precautions to guard against this type of crime.

“Generally-speaking, most car crime takes place at night, so it makes sense to park a vehicle in a well-lit and residential location, or ideally in a garage if available.

“When away from home, look for car parks that have security patrols and are covered by CCTV.”

Dorset Police say that motorists should be ‘vigilant to people loitering around and working under cars on the street’ and report any suspicious activity.

Motorists could also mark their catalytic converter with a unique code that will relate back to their vehicle.

Alternatively, you could ask a local garage to weld the bolts on your catalytic converter or use other commercial anti-theft devices that will make it harder to remove.

You can learn more about catalytic converter thefts or report them through this link.