TVL warns of catalytic converter theft rise
Vehicle security specialist TVL has emphasised the risks to vehicle operators posed by catalytic converter theft.
The company cites Metropolitan Police figures demonstrating a dramatic surge in thefts in 2019, which saw 9,576 incidents, against 1,494 the year before.
“Catalytic converters are popular with thieves as they contain a high concentration of precious metal, being sold on for a high value at scrap dealers/spare parts market,” said Luke Powell, commercial and IT director at TVL.
The converters are seen as an easy target, says TVL, given they are designed to be exposed to airflow allowing them to dissipate heat, which often means they are in an easily accessible open space.
“Here at TVL Security we have seen an increased number of customers coming to us with commercial vehicles being attacked for their catalytic converters, and… thieves being even more brazen as attacks are being carried out at any time of day and in busy locations, too,” said Luke..
“We have always been at the forefront of designing solutions for protecting catalytic converters. We first saw thefts in 2008, and replaced various fixings/brackets with anti-tamper versions; and the solutions today have not come far away from the initial concept.
“We advise owners to protect their vehicles against such attacks… the at-risk groups tend to be higher vehicles such as pickup trucks, light commercial vehicles, motor homes and 4x4s, due to them being taller and offering considerable ground clearance, therefore allowing easy access to the catalytic converter.”
TVL supplies catalytic converter guards for the most popular and vulnerable vehicle types.
