AFTER a number of catalytic converters thefts, including one last week where a brazen thief stole three from West Yorkshire ambulances, a used car dealer has given some tips on how to prevent the device from being stolen.

Catalytic converters have been fitted to car exhausts as standard for almost 30 years to reduce harmful emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.

The metals convert harmful gases into water vapour and less harmful emissions. Before the arrival of catalytic converters, fumes would exit exhaust pipes with no filtering at all.

Catalytic converters are popular as a theft device because they contain a ceramic honeycombed core coated with metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium and can be worth between £500 to £1,000 in scrap value.

Dan Powell, senior editor at used car dealer heycar.co.uk, said: “Catalytic converter theft can be quite common, especially with hybrid cars.

“This is because hybrids produce less pollution and the valuable metals in the catalytic converter is in a better condition than that of a petrol or diesel vehicle, which means it has a higher scrap value.

“However, there are a number of methods that can be used to deter criminals.

“These tips will be helpful to everyone concerned about these thefts.”

To prevent theft, people can park to prevent access underneath, get a serial number marked on their catalytic converter, ask a garage to weld the bolts shut, park in well-lit areas and install a CatClamp device.