Catalytic converters stolen from cars for metal value

Catalytic converters are being swiped from parked cars for their metal value, Gardai in Athlone believe.

It follows recent incidents where catalytic converters were stolen from two separate Toyota Prius cars, one in Monksland, and the other in the car park of the Department of Education, Ballymahon Road last week.

A catalytic converter is a device on a car that reduces the amount of poisonous gases released from the exhaust. Generally, it looks like an exhaust silencer, only slimmer and smaller, and in modern cars is located close to the engine so it will warm up faster and be more efficient.

Sgt Andrew Haran from Athlone Garda Station believes that the catalytic converters are being stolen for metal value, rather than for resuse or resale as they are quite easily removed from a vehicle.

While he admitted there are few precautions that a motorist can take to prevent it, he did ask motorists to try, where possible, to park where there is CCTV.

“Sadly people should be aware of it, it is happening here, and we have heard it happening in other areas,” he said.

He warned that people buying catalytic converters should check the bone fides of the sale before purchasing.

The first incident happened in Monksland Business Park between Thursday and Friday last, September 5 and 6,  when a car was parked up. On returning and driving the car, the owner found it very noisy and brought it to a garage who discovered the catalytic converter was missing.

Also, on September 5, the owner of another vehicle parked in the car park of the Department of Education, Ballymahon Road, discovered the catalytic converter had been stolen. Gardai believe both incidents may be linked.

Anyone who can assist the investigation should call 09064 98550.