Catalytic converter thefts on the rise in Hampshire - why are they stolen and which cars have been targeted?

Catalytic converters are devices that turn toxic gases in a car’s exhaust, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, into water vapour and carbon dioxide. It’s found under the car, near the engine.

According to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, the number of reports the police force has recevied so far this year is more than six times higher than in 2025.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Their theft is closely linked to prices of Rhodium and Palladium, which are contained within the converters. The prices of these metals have increased over recent years and this is what we believe has contributed to the number of thefts increasing. They can be removed in less than a minute.

“Catalytic converter theft most frequently occurs in car parks, but they can happen anywhere. 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.”

The constabulary highlighted the Honda CRV, Honda Jazz, Lexus, Toyota Auris, and Toyota Prius as vehicles being particularly targeted.

To protect your car from being targeted, police have suggested asking a garage to weld the bolts to make it harder to remove, purchasing a ‘cage clamp’ which is a cage device that locks in around the converter to make it more difficult to remove, or simply parking with the end of the car that has the converter closer to a wall, if possible.

If you see someone acting suspiciously under a vehicle, report it by phoning 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.