Why thieves are after your car's catalytic converter

STUTTGART: Purses, cameras, mobile phones: All of these may be the most common items to be stolen during the holiday season. But many don't realise that the catalytic converter under the car is also valuable - and sought after by many thieves.

The high-quality components inside made of precious metals such as palladium, platinum and rhodium are highly coveted, according to the Auto Club Europa (ACE).

Although the catalytic converter contains only tiny amounts of these, the prices for such precious metals are rising - as are the number of reported crimes.

Last year, the ADAC road patrol service alone counted 420 thefts in Germany alone, while this year there were even 448 catalytic converters stolen up to mid-July.

Which cars are particularly targeted by thieves?

The phenomenon seems to affect mainly older cars with petrol engines, as these contain more rhodium in the catalytic converters.

It's also easier for thieves to get at them. The catalytic converters are usually easier to access and they are usually located in the middle of the car's floor.

In newer cars, the catalytic converter is often placed near the engine to get it up to operating temperature more quickly after a cold start.

It's also harder for thieves to get to it there. Moreover, newer catalytic converters no longer have so many precious metals.

Some of the most at-risk models are the VW Polo III (model years 1994 to 2001), Opel Astra G (1998 to 2005), Toyota Prius III (2009 to 2016), Mitsubishi Carisma (1995 to 2004) and Space Waggon (1998 to 2002) as well as Seat Arosa, VW Lupo and Honda Jazz,according to the ACE.

Thieves meanwhile also target diesel particulate filters in models such as the Mercedes Sprinter and VW Crafter.

Taller vehicles like older panel vans and motorhomes are also easy prey. They do not even have to be lifted to remove the catalytic converter, and trained criminals only need a few minutes to get what they need.

Preventing theft

To get to the catalytic converter, the thief will usually jack up the car and then cut the exhaust pipe in front of and behind the catalytic converter.

A flex or electric saw is often used on noisy roads, while in quieter places thieves use an exhaust or chain pipe cutter.

Thieves often find it easier during the summer holidays. On the one hand, cars are often left unattended for longer because the owners are away. On the other, they may not always be able to keep their car in sight when travelling on holidays.

As ever, the safest place for cars remains a lockable garage. But what about when you're on the road? That's where you should look for parking spaces in busy, well-lit places. There, jacking up a car and sawing something off is likely to attract attention.

What happens when there's no catalytic converter?

Don't worry, even if you don't see the missing catalytic converter right away, you will certainly hear the difference. A very loud engine noise is generally the result after a theft.

Unfortunately this also means your car is no longer allowed to be driven on the road, as the exhaust gas purification - the job of the catalytic converter - no longer works. This also voids the car's licence to drive on the road.

"If you discover a theft, you should inform the police and your insurer and coordinate everything with them," advises Kathrin Jarosch from the German Insurance Association.