Car catalytic converters seem to be high on the wish list of the thieves guild lately. In Sittard-Geleen, 14 exhaust gas cleaners have already been stolen this year.
Police Basic Team Westelijke Mijnstreek reports this on social media. The police are seeing an increase in catalytic converter thefts within their area of operations.
Hybrid
Police say the Toyota Prius catalytic converter is very popular with thieves. The Volkswagen Polo, Golf and Lupo are also popular.
precious metals
Last year, thieves broke down 42 catalytic converters from under cars in Sittard-Geleen. Catalyst thieves struck 14 times in the first months of 2022. The car part is so popular with robbers because it contains precious metals. With hybrid vehicles, the part remains cleaner, because these cars drive more economically. As a result, the precious metals remain in better quality.
Also read: Catalysts coveted by thieves, 46 already stolen by 2022
Worth money
Such an exhaust gas cleaner is also easy to loot. The vehicle is often put on a jack, after which thieves saw through the exhaust. Criminals then sell the catalyst for fifty to one hundred euros each.
Tips
To prevent theft, the police recommend parking the car in a lit area. An alarm system with angle of inclination detection is also important. “Make it difficult for thieves by securing the catalytic converter extra or by welding a plate over it. This makes it difficult for thieves to reach and it also slows down. Finally, engrave the license plate in the catalytic converter, this helps in the context of detection”, the police said.