RAA issues catalytic converter car theft warning as cases spike in South Australia

Driveways and carparks are being targeted by thieves targeting an easy-to-steal common part. And you’ll definitely hear about it if they get yours.

Brazen thieves are using battery-operated hacksaws to remove a section of the exhaust system from cars parked on the street and in car parks, leaving motorists frustrated, inconvenienced and up to thousands of dollars out of pocket.

According to the RAA, there has been a 60 per cent increase in thefts of catalytic converters, attached to the exhaust system.

SA Police say offenders aren’t being deterred by “public presence” with cars parked in “residential driveways, public carparks and on main roads” being hit.

Experts say the device is being targeted due to the precious metals – platinum, palladium and rhodium – contained within it with SUVs and utes, which have a higher clearance from the ground, providing easier access to the part.

A brand new catalytic converter sits on a car lift. Picture: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

A western suburbs woman says her car's catalytic converter was stolen by thieves in broad daylight. Picture: Facebook

“It is outstripping all other car-related thefts which have gone up by 25 to 30 per cent in the past two years,” the RAA’s Mark Borlace said.

“The villains are pretty wily, they just look for cars that are out of view, hop out and get under the car and back out again … they’ve got no shame.

“(They’re using) battery-operated hacksaws … and can literally slide under the car and cut the pipe on either side of this thing within minutes.”

Mr Borlace said it was illegal – and potentially dangerous – to drive without a catalytic converter which converts harmful engine-exhaust pollutants into something less harmful to the environment through a chemical reaction.

“The first thing someone will notice is just this roaring noise … it sounds like a chaff cutter,” he said.

Mr Borlace said the cost of replacing the part varied depending on the type and age of car, typically ranging between $1000 and “several thousand” dollars.

In one recent case an Adelaide doctor had the device stolen from her 18-year-old Prius while she was inside a hospital performing surgery.

“It was a perfectly-working car but because of its age and the fact that it was so costly to replace, the car was written off,” Mr Borlace said.

The Sunday Mail spoke to a mum whose car was targeted when parked outside Prince Alfred College on Saturday morning while her sons took part in a sporting trial.

The tow truck driver told her it was the second call he’d had that day, for the same issue.

“For us the replacement cost is $1100,” she said.

“We are covered by insurance but our excess – due a P-plate driver – is $600, so that is an out-of-pocket expense, in addition to the tow truck which cost $140,” she said.

In a statement from SA Police, motorists have been urged to “mark their catalytic converters or take steps to make it difficult to remove”.

“If you see someone acting suspiciously under a vehicle, report it to the Police by calling the Police Assistance Line 131 444; obtain as much information as possible, including any vehicle registration,” it said.

SA Police tips to save your catalytic convertor

PARK in a locked garage where possible, or in a well-lit, populated area.

CATALYTIC converters are under your car, usually at the front of the vehicle, so try to minimise access by parking near walls or fences or with your bonnet facing a solid object.

YOU can identify parts on your vehicle by engraving or marking them; for example, put your car’s VIN number on parts so second hand dealers have an identifying mark.

OTHER options for protecting your vehicle include asking your local garage to weld the bolts holding your catalytic converter to make it more difficult to remove.

– SA Police