Lost Cat Good Reward To Finder.

[steve2006]

Just read a Sunday newspaper article regarding the increase in thefts of catalytic convertors from motor vehicles.

Although made out to be a new thing this has been going on for years, and one of my employer's transit vans was targeted.

The article also makes out that these things are worth an absolute fortune due to the "large amounts of precious metals" contained within,Platinum,Rhodium and Palladium to name a few.

I don't know how the figures are obtained but the average scrap cat is reported to be worth between £25-40.00 so not exactly gold bullion prices.

The Police are "advising car and 4x4 owners to mark catalytic converters by etching a serial number onto them and welding the bolts shut to deter a thief trying to steal the unit with a spanner"

So exactly what is the point of marking it with a serial number when there are no records relating to a made up serial number plus it is easily removed with a file or angle grinder.

Also these thieves don't mess around with a "spanner" or a Snap On socket set and impact wrench, they use an electric saw to do the job in seconds so what is the point of welding over the nuts?It will however certainly make replacement more of a challenge!

Nothing like a bit of outdated information with expert Police mechanical input

[mikeyv]

This has been a massive problem for motorhomers, as access is so good on such high vehicles, and some dealers have been targeted too.

I seem to recall reading on one motorhoming forum about a pipe cutter tool that is quick and virtually silent, and therefore the pro weapon of choice.

I also read about security devices you could fit, but they were nearly as costly as a new cat, and probably wouldn't deter a committed thief.

[steve2006]

Super glue! Thief grabs cat and becomes attached. " No, I didn't see,hear or notice anything unusual during my 20 mile drive home apart from the 0-60 MPH time was a little slower"