Thieves steal catalytic converters from cars in Berkhamsted

Thieves are stealing catalytic converters from cars in Berkhamsted - because they contain valuable precious metals.

Drivers are being warned to be vigilant after a car was targeted in Ashridge on Tuesday while its owner walked her dog. 

She returned to find the catalytic converter had been cut from the parked vehicle.

Catalytic converters, which connect to exhaust pipes and lower the toxicity of emissions from the engine before they are released into the atmosphere, contain metals such as copper, gold, platinum and palladium.

A spokesman for Berkhamsted garage Roy Chapman said: 'This is the second customer this has happened to. The first time the car was parked in a multi-storey.'

There have also been reports of cars being targeted in supermarket car parks. 

Some catalytic converters are secured by only a few bolts, making removal quick and easy. Thieves often look for vehicles that sit high off the ground, such as 4x4s, because the catalytic converter is more accessible. 

Have you been affected by the spate of catalytic converter thefts? How do you keep your car safe? Let us know below.

Photo: Flickr / Ulleskelf