Catalytic Converters: Why thieves Steal them and How to prevent theft

Catalytic converters are usually used with internal combustion engines fueled by either gasoline or diesel including lean-burn engines as well as kerosene heaters and stoves.

A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that reduces toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction, an oxidation and a reduction reaction.

Emission control catalysts, introduced in the 1970s, are now used on all types of internal combustion engines, as well as in a number of stationary applications. Catalytic reactors for mobile applications, known as catalytic converters, utilize catalyst-coated monolithic substrates.

The catalytic converter in gasoline cars works by lessening the energy input required to convert carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons into more benign CO2. These exhaust gases flow over a precious metal surface, where they combine with oxygen in their conversion to CO2. The catalyst remains unchanged, allowing thousands upon millions of reactions over its lifetime.

Why Catalytic converters are stolen

Thefts of catalytic converters have soared in 2020 in most countries and it seems to be catching up here in Kenya as well. I have seen a number of reported cases online.

Thieves are targeting vehicles for the parts due to the value of the precious metals they contain, as precious metal prices go up the demand for parts that contain them goes up too, resulting in the risk of theft increasing. The process of stealing a catalytic converter can be carried out in as little as 60 seconds with high power tools.

Taller vehicles (4x4s) are particularly vulnerable as the converters are more accessible and because they tend to have larger engines, contain more of the precious metals.

How to reduce the risk of theft of your car’s catalytic converter:

Park your car in a garage or somewhere that makes it difficult for anyone to access its underside
Install CCTV that captures where you park
Don’t park your car in one place for long periods of time
Secure your catalytic converter with extra bolts to make it more difficult to remove
Try defensive parking against a wall or by another lower vehicle to make it more difficult to get under
Have a mechanic weld the catalytic converter to the exhaust system
Park your car in lit up areas or on busy areas
Avoid rogue mechanics, as not everyone in an apron is of good conduct.