Why catalytic converter theft is a problem

• Thieves have targeted catalytic converters for the precious metals.
• Situated underneath the car, the ‘cat’ as they are referred to, is part of the exhaust system. They are particularly vulnerable to theft if you have a 4×4 or large van because access is easier.
• According to Suffolk police, the Ford Ranger (pictured) is the most vulnerable in the East Anglia region.
• To prevent cat theft, police suggest marking your cat or fitting a cat lock. More advice is available from Suffolk police here: preventing catalytic converter theft.

UH-OH! It’s the police.

I was just taking my mother down to the local shops in her Suffolk village … and there was a policeman in a yellow jacket in the way.

He leaned in through the window, helpfully in the Santa Fe, that’s at head height.

“We’re doing a free catalytic converter marking if you’d like to take up the offer sir.”

Well, err…yes, why not…

The policeman then went onto explain that catalytic converter theft remained a big problem, and that marking the converters was a sure fire way to reduce the probability of theft.

Catalytic converters are pinched because of the precious metals they contain; replacing one can cost around £300.

So I waited my turn to go into the garage and up on the ramps to have the converter marked.

It seems, however, that the designers of the Santa Fe had already taken precaution over the catalytic converter theft: it was situated ahead of the exhaust manifold and gearbox.

“I don’t know about pinching this converter, it’s difficult enough just marking it!” laughed the policeman charged with doing the marking and registering the Santa Fe on the ‘marked car’ list.