Alert: Catalytic Converter Thefts

12 Apr Alert: Catalytic Converter Thefts

Dear Residents,

Unfortunately, after a long period without any Catalytic Converter thefts taking place in Shortlands & Park Langley Ward, a catalytic converter theft took place in Bromley Gardens.  The offence took place overnight between Monday 06/04/26 & Tuesday 07/04/26.  Although we’ve only one so far in Shortlands & Park Langley similar offences have been reported on other wards in the London Borough of Bromley recently.  In order to reduce the chances of further offences in Shortlands & Park Langley, please see the below crime prevention advice; I’ve included both advice specific to catalytic converter theft & general vehicle security advice.

Catalytic converters are devices fitted to vehicle exhausts to reduce the amount of dangerous gases emitted. They are often targeted by thieves as they contain valuable metals and can be removed in less than a minute. Catalytic converter theft occurs in both car parks and residential areas. Thieves may then sell these converters via scrapyards, online, or ship them out of the country. Hybrid vehicles are most commonly targeted, as their metals are more valuable, but any vehicle can be at risk of catalytic converter theft.

Signs a catalytic converter theft is being committed are:

• A vehicle being raised using a car jack in a car park or residential area.
• A loud drilling or cutting sound coming from underneath the vehicle.

Preventative Measures

There are steps that you can take to protect your vehicle & keep your catalytic converter safe:

• Ask your car dealer for advice on locks or guards approved by the vehicle manufacturer and tested to Sold Secure Gold standard
• Try to make sure your vehicle is parked in a garage overnight, or if you have a commercial vehicle, park it in a secure compound. If this isn’t possible, park in an area that’s well-lit and overlooked and try to park so that the converter can’t be easily reached by potential thieves. Vehicles that sit high above the road are particularly vulnerable
• You should also register your converter and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of
• Visit “Secured by Design” or “Sold Secure Gold” websites for more details. These websites don’t sell crime prevention products but provide a guide to ensure you purchase the best product for your needs.  All products on these websites have been tested to make sure they meet Sold Secure Gold standard.  If you find a product you wish to purchase it may be better to find a specialist motoring shop or garage that sells it rather than purchasing online.  By going to a shop or garage you can speak to experts who can guide you on how to use the product and may be able to help you install it.

Vehicles Most Likely To Be Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft:

• Toyota Prius (2001–2021)
• Toyota Auris
• Toyota Camry (1987–2019)
• Lexus RX & Lexus CT
• Honda Jazz (and Fit)
• Honda Accord (1989–2020)
• Honda CR-V
• Chevrolet Equinox
• Chevrolet Silverado
• Ford F-Series & Econoline

Vehicles Least Likely to be Targeted:

• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Nissan Leaf, Tesla, Fiat 500, and fully electric versions of the Ford Focus/Honda Fit/Toyota RAV4
• Diesel Vehicles: Diesel engines use different catalysts that contain very little to no valuable precious metals
• Specific Low-Risk Models: Owners of cars like the Dacia Sandero and Toyota Aygo are less frequently targeted

Factors Making Vehicles Less Attractive:

• Less Valuable Materials: American (Ford, Chrysler & Dodge) and some European manufacturers often use fewer precious metals, making them less appealing than hybrid vehicles
• Hard-to-Reach Design: Vehicles where the converter is difficult to access, such as those that are deeply integrated into the engine block (e.g., 2008+ Honda Jazz), are safer
• Lower Ground Clearance: Vehicles that are too low for a thief to fit underneath comfortably

Report It:

• If the crime is happening now call 999 – if you are unsure, we’d rather hear about it and decide if a theft is occurring.
• If it is safe to do so, take photos of suspects or the number plate of their car (do not approach suspects, as they have been known to use violence)
• If the crime has already happened then you can report it to onlinewww.met.police.uk or call 101.

We know that people can be concerned about the personal and financial impact of having their vehicle stolen, which is why we will pursue and arrest those who break the law. Please consider taking the following steps to keep your vehicle safe:

• Check that your vehicle is locked and secure every time you leave it. Thieves often look for easy opportunities to steal from vehicles. They will usually try the handles until they get lucky and find one that has been left unlocked
• Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home and away from your front door
• If you have a keyless entry vehicle, keep the key well away from the vehicle while at home and turn off wireless signals on your fob when its not being used. Consider putting the keys in a screened or signal blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check that it is still working every few months
• Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you don’t have access to one, try to park in a well –lit open space
• Try to use public car parks that are part of the police approved Park Mark safer parking scheme
• Secure your number plates with tamper resistant screws to avoid them being stolen and used by others

Kind Regards,

Adam Charles
PCSO 7572 SN
Shortlands & Park Langley Safer Neighbourhood Team