THIEVES are exploiting a loophole in the law that called on scrap metal dealers to run checks on where the metals had come from.
There has been a recent spate of catalytic converter thefts, with some insurers reporting a 600 per cent rise in claims, says Tim Pearson of BHIB Insurance Brokers.
The concentration of thefts seem to be targeted at older hybrid vehicles as these contain more precious metals than the newer vehicles, the models Toyota Prius and Auris have been targeted the most.
Tim said: “Following an explosion of claims for theft of catalytic converters in the period between 2010-2012 due to the price of rhodium and palladium, we have seen levels of these claims dropping due to the implementation of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 which meant dealers had to run checks on where the metals had come from. Thieves are now, however, exploiting a loophole in this law and in the period 2018 to 2019, insurance claims for thefts have increased by 600 per cent with the average cost being in the region of £1,000.
“We would urge everyone to take preventative measures wherever possible in order to deter thieves as much as possible.”
* Park your car in a locked garage if possible
* If a garage isn’t an option, try to park in a busy, well-lit area
* Park close to walls, fences and hedges to make the theft more difficult – the exhaust should be close to the fence/wall so thieves cannot easily get underneath that side of the car
* Avoid parking your car half on the pavement and half on the road. This can expose the underneath of the vehicle and make it easier for thieves to access it
* If you have a fleet of vehicles then try to use your low clearance vehicles to block access to the high clearance vehicles
* Consider buying a catalytic converter clamp or cage to lock around the device to make it harder to remove
* Add a tilt sensor to your vehicle which activates the alarm if the vehicle is jacked up
* When parking in a public car park, try to park alongside other vehicles and with your bonnet facing a wall or kerb. As the catalytic converter is positioned towards the front of your vehicle, this will make it harder for thieves to access it.
For any further help or advice, contact Tim Pearson.
BHIB Insurance Brokers is a trading name of BHIB Limited. Registered office is AGM House, 3 Barton Close, Grove Park, Enderby, Leicester LE19 1SJ. BHIB Limited is registered in England and Wales number 829660. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.