Vans, Cars and Leasing

The high price of precious metals is leading to a rise in thefts of catalytic converters from a wide range of motor vehicles.

The problem has become so serious that the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) has linked up with the Association of Chief Police Officers of England, Wales and Northern Ireland (ACPO) to help tackle the issue.

The average catalytic converter contains one to two grams of three precious metals - platinum, palladium, and rhodium - and the international prices of these metals have risen by 67%, 200%, and 600% respectively over the past two years.

Police were alerted to the trend in the UK last year when four men were arrested in Worcestershire in connection with the theft of 40 catalytic converters in the Wyre Forest area.

The converters are thought to be removed from parked vehicles with a cordless reciprocating saws pointed with a stainless steel blade.

A competent thief can, say experts, remove a converter in just six minutes and sell it for up to £150.

It is believed that stolen converters are shipped to recycling companies in Poland, Canada, China and Latvia, where they undergo a carbochlorination process that extracts their precious metals.

“We’re also seeing engines, gearboxes, axles and wheels stolen,” said Det Sgt Andy Round, who heads TruckPol, a national intelligence unit that forms part of the wider ACPO Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service.

“The penny has dropped with the thieves that there is a market for them. The demand in the Far East for these metals is huge. Lorries were the first target – I guess because they are so much bigger - but they also see smaller vehicles as just as easy targets.”

In response, the BMRA has launched a stolen metals bulletin, which alerts all members by email of known thefts within 24 hours of being notified.

It also produces information for members to help them identify stolen materials.

The Met Office issued a warning of heavy snow today and tomorrow and is advising drivers to take extra care on the roads and to check the weather forecast and road conditions before they travel.

“Drivers are advised to be prepared with warm clothing and an emergency pack, which includes food and water, boots, de-icer, a torch, and a shovel in case of snow,” said the warning.

“In slippery or icy conditions it can take longer to stop. Road users are advised to reduce their speed, give themselves more time to slow down and stop and drive with care even if roads have been treated.”

The Highways Agency will be out treating our roads and it is important that drivers watch out for salt spreaders.

Don’t overtake these vehicles unless it is safe. It’s generally best to stay well back because salt is thrown across the width of the road.

Drivers are also advised to make sure they have plenty of fuel for their journey and to make sure your vehicle is road worthy.