Catalytic converter thefts give police cause for concern

West Yorkshire Police say that thieves are targeting certain vehicles for their converters, which contain valuable precious metals that can be traded to scrap metal dealers.

These include hybrid vehicles such as Honda Jazz, Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris and Lexus RX of all generations and ages due to their catalytic converters containing a higher concentration of precious metals.

Hybrid’s are popular with thieves because they have two power sources, an electric motor and a petrol or diesel engine, and the catalytic converters are generally less corroded.

They can also be stolen in under a minute.

People are being advised to park their vehicles in garages, or if that is not possible, in well-lit areas.

Avoid parking your vehicle half on the pavement and half on the road because this gives more clearance to access underneath the vehicle.

Cage clamps can also be fitted to deter thieves.