When it comes to catalytic converter thefts (cutting them out), we are dealing with a veritable epidemic. Catalytic converter thieves operate in various parts of the city. The thefts most often take place at night. They get under the car and brazenly cut out the catalytic converter, which they then sell to a scrap dealer.
Readers have reported catalytic converter thefts from cars parked on Asnyka, Jana Pawła II, Asnyka and Starzyńskiego Streets. The practice is thriving. How can it be stopped?
Can a catalytic converter be protected against theft?
Certainly, every theft should be reported to the police, although it is well known that the police cannot guard cars on every street at night. As for protecting catalytic converters against theft, car manufacturers are considering special markings for these components so that they will be more difficult to sell. Another method, described on the pages of auto-swiat.pl, is installing special anti-theft shields:
Another method is installing special, advanced anti-theft shields that make it difficult to cut out and remove the catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter. They are installed using breakaway bolts and nuts, so they cannot be unscrewed, and the sheet metal is so thick that cutting through the shield requires heavier equipment or a great deal of time. Such shields can indeed be a very effective solution.
However, it should be remembered that catalytic converters are components that become very hot. A poorly designed shield can disrupt air circulation and, in extreme cases, even lead to a vehicle fire. On the other hand, a shield that is too “economical” may not pose much of a problem for a thief.
More information at: auto-swiat.pl