Thieves now target your car’s catalytic converter

The curious case of a missing catalytic converter might forecast a new channel for local crime.

Last week a Ballito resident returned to his car in the basement parking area of a local shopping centre after about two hours of shopping, and found something amiss.

“When I turned on the engine, it sounded like 1 000 motorbikes firing up. After calling a mechanic, I discovered that thieves had removed my car’s catalytic converter,” said the man, who asked to remain anonymous.

A catalytic converter is a device fitted near the exhaust of your car which utilises chemical reactions to limit harmful emissions.

It uses precious metals to convert potentially dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide and nitric oxide into carbon dioxide or water vapour.

Though few cases have been reported locally, this has been an issue internationally and in other areas around South Africa.

Last year alone, reports have surfaced about converter theft in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Gqeberha – the last of which was converter theft worth R15-million from a hijacked truck.

On some car models, removing the converter can be as simple as removing a few screws and it can fit into a backpack. It can be done in minutes.

To prevent theft, a good place to start is to identify whether your car has an easily accessible converter.

Typically, a converter is most prominent in SUVs and trucks. Ask you dealership or mechanic whether your car is at risk.

Otherwise, safety practices to avoid such theft remains equally important, including parking in well-lit areas where foot traffic would deter criminals.

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