As a panel van owner, I know the dread of catalytic converter theft all too well. The sharp rise in these crimes over recent years, driven by soaring prices of metals like platinum and rhodium, made many of us nervous to leave our vehicles unattended. But now, there’s finally some good news: thefts in Herefordshire have dropped to zero, thanks to a mix of common-sense advice and game-changing catalytic converter locks.
West Mercia Police launched an initiative last November, giving out marking kits and hosting a talk in Hereford. Over 200 people turned up to hear how they could protect their vehicles. It wasn’t a moment too soon—between December 2022 and June 2023, thieves had stolen 22 catalytic converters, costing owners a total of £20,000 in damage and downtime.
But since November, not a single theft has been reported. As a van owner, I can only say this is a massive relief. Catalytic converter locks are proving to be worth every penny. These locks are designed to make it near-impossible for thieves to quickly snatch converters, giving them no choice but to abandon their plans. Combined with marking kits, which make stolen converters traceable and harder to sell, it feels like we’re finally getting the upper hand.
PC John Meek, who’s been instrumental in this effort, says it’s “great news” to see the zero-theft rate in Herefordshire. He’s right. But he’s also quick to remind us that there’s more we can do: park in garages, install motion-sensor lights, and keep vehicles locked and secure.
For van owners like me, this isn’t just about saving money; it’s about peace of mind. Every theft means not just the cost of replacement but also lost work, stress, and the hassle of repairs. Knowing that something as simple as a lock can make such a big difference is a real game-changer.
So, to my fellow van owners: if you haven’t already, invest in a catalytic converter lock. It’s a small step that can make a huge difference—and together, we can make life a lot harder for these criminals.