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Catalytic Converter, Security Services, Catalytic Converter Thefts, Vehicle Damage, Vehicle Damage

Catalytic Converter Thefts Soar!

Across the UK, Car owners have been urged to take steps to protect both their vehicles from organised crimes surrounding catalytic converters.

According to an investigation conducted by the BBC, thefts of the essential exhaust components rocketed by 600% last year, with drivers footing the bill to replace stolen parts.

Recently, a family in Newport warned other residents to be vigilant after thieves stole their cars catalytic converter. You can read more here

In 2018, there were an estimated 2,000 reports of catalytic converters stolen in England and Wales, but in 2019, the figure rocketed up to nearly 13,000.

But why are catalytic converters being targeted?

Catalytic converters help control and convert vehicle emissions and are seen as an easy high-value target for criminals looking to make quick money. Catalytic converters contain a wealth of precious metals, including rhodium, palladium and platinum which can all be stripped out and sold on or the whole unit can be sold as a spare part – making it virtually untraceable.

With the recent development of hybrid technology, hybrid vehicles are particularly vulnerable as they tend to have lower emissions, meaning the metals in the catalytic converters are less corroded that in traditional petrol or diesel vehicles.

For owners who have been a victim of theft of their Catalytic converter could see a repair bill of more the £1,000. And recently the AA reported that claims can reach as much as £3,000 depending on the damaged the thieve caused when removing the part.

What do the safety experts say?

Clive Wain, head of police liaison at vehicle recovery specialist Tracker, said Owners need to make sure their vehicles are protected from thieves who often simply jack the vehicle up and unbolt the part.

He said “plugin and self-charging hybrids are a highly desirable target for thieves as their catalytic converters, which turn noxious gases (carbon dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Oxides) in a cars exhaust into less harmful substances, are less corroded than those in a traditional vehicle.

“But there are some simple steps that owners can take to protect their vehicle, including physical barriers to make thieves think twice before targeting their car”

  • Park in a garage or other secure area: if you don’t have access to a garage, try to leave your car in a well-lit and overlooked area.
  • Install CCTV: The one thing thieves don’t want to do is get caught on camera. Installing cameras allows you to monitor your car and catch anyone who is looking to target it.
  • Consider installing a Thatcham approved alarm to your vehicle: As catalytic converters are located towards the front and underneath the car, many thieves will require a jack to gain access to the part. Installing a Thatcham alarm will alert you to your car either being lifted or tilted.
  • Use a catalytic converter protection device: Such as a Catloc or Catclamp which make it hard to access the converter, or have the device etched with a unique serial number.

For further tips on how you can properly protect your vehicle from thieves take a look at our blog here

For more information about our professional Security Services and how they can effectively protect you and your business contact us on 01656 713950 or visit our website for further details.

Security, Business, Rethink, Security Measures, A&R Security Services, Security Services, Antisocial behaviour

Should you rethink your business security?

Vandalism, burglary and malicious damage cost Welsh and UK businesses thousands of pounds. With an estimated 1 in 5 businesses being negatively affected by crime, many will see security as a top priority.

Businesses that work across different sectors see a range of threats and criminal offences. But who from?

The Home office published a recent report that looks at the issues that contribute to crimes against businesses within the UK.

Organised Crime

As the name suggests, organised crimes are planned, coordinated and conducted by people working together. Organised crime is normally seen within the agricultural, forestry or fishing sector, with many businesses reporting that crimes conducted are believed to be carried out by organised criminals.

22% of reported crimes from these sectors were burglaries (including attempted burglaries) and it is thought that 40% of these were carried out by organised groups.

Anti-social Behaviour

Anti-social behaviour is an umbrella term for a range of smaller crimes conducted. Vandalism is the most common type of crime that is reported by businesses. Malicious damage and petty thefts come under anti-social behaviour and cost businesses thousands and is often put down as a result of young, rowdy and aggressive people or YOB culture as it is better known as.

1 in 5 business are impacted by crime

According to a study carried out by a leading business insurer – petty theft, vandalism and malicious damages cost business £9.8 billion a year. 1 in 5 business are impacted by these crimes and can cost them anything between £20,000 and £66,000 each year, depending on their sector and geographical location.

Some businesses are more at risk than others

Different sectors are often more at risk than others. Utilities, engineering, transport, construction and agriculture see the most crimes, with theft of materials, equipment and vehicles, vandalism and even arson costing businesses up to £155 million a year.

It’s not just big business that are targeted

Although big businesses have the most in terms of valuable assets, they are often harder to commit crimes due to stronger security measures. Smaller businesses have the same amount of security as larger businesses and often see themselves becoming targets for burglaries – costing small businesses £3,340 per crime.

When are businesses at risk of crime?

In regard to time, vandalism and malicious crimes can happen at any time but 77% of vandalism normally occurs in the evening and during the cover of darkness. Also, a report shows that 59% of incidents involving antisocial behaviour often occurs during the week compared to 41% over the weekend.

In regard to businesses being burgled, it is more difficult to get clear statistics. However, most intruder related incidents often occur over the weekend. Evening and nights remain the most common time for crimes to be committed.

 

What can businesses do to reduce their security risks?

Many leading business insurers put emphasis on the importance of preparing for risks that they may face and to have the right levels of protection in place. Ensuring that you have adequate defensive measures in place such as CCTV, Alarms, Locks, guards and patrols is crucial when maintaining your businesses security.

Burglary and vandalism can be devastating to any business no matter their size and sector. Having professional security solutions in place can provide effective protection to your business.

A&R Security Services can provide professional Security solutions to businesses in South Wales

To find out more about our professional security services visit our website or give us a call on 01656 713950