According to new research, catalytic converter thefts have increased by more than 100% in one year.
Data from 25 law enforcement agencies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland provided by the consumer organization What? shows that thefts increased 104% between 2019 and 2020.
North Wales saw the highest increase in cases, rising from nine in 2019 to 46 in 2020 – an increase of 411%.
Meanwhile, the data showed that the West Midlands had the highest number of cases in 2020 at 1,626.
However, no incidents were reported in the City of London, and the biggest drop in catalytic converter thefts was in Cumbria – from 41 to 17.
In 2020, a total of 5,857 cases occurred in the 25 areas.
Thieves are targeting older gasoline hybrids more than other types as the hybrid system means less workload on the catalytic converter, which means it is in better shape.
Accordingly, older hybrids such as the previous generation Toyota Prius and Auris as well as the hybrid models Honda Jazz are particularly at risk of being stolen due to their higher concentration of precious metals.
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Honda recommends that drivers park in a locked garage, near walls, or other vehicles to make driving under the car more difficult
A Honda spokesman said: “Honda UK recommends that owners of these cars follow police advice.
“This advice includes parking in a locked garage, near walls, or other vehicles to make it difficult to drive under the car. All Honda vehicles currently sold come standard with Thatcham-approved alarm systems. “
A Toyota spokesman said: “Catalyst theft is a serious problem in the UK and its impact on victims is both emotional and financial.
“We’re continuing to do everything we can, both as manufacturers and in collaboration with the police and others, to put an end to this crime. But ultimately, our room for maneuver as an auto company will always be limited.”
Which? Magazine editor Harry Rose advised car owners to install traceable marking tools and a Catloc on the vehicle’s converter or park in a CCTV-covered area to deter thieves.
