Recent price hikes in the costs of platinum and other expensive materials have made catalytic converters an increasingly attractive target for thieves, according to the Independent.
The devices are located on the undercarriage of vehicles and are designed to filter harmful toxins from exhaust fumes and reduce the effect that vehicle emissions have on the environment.
Paul Purdy, spokesperson for
car insurance firm yesinsurance.co.uk, told the newspaper that they are starting to replace car radios as car thieves most wanted items.
"Catalytic converters are attractive to criminals because they are expensive, easy to access and contain rare metals such as platinum, which have been rocketing in price recently," he explained.
He added that it was not uncommon for new converters to cost as much as £1,000.
In an effort to protect themselves against being targeted, drivers were urged to park their vehicle in well-lit areas or private garages.
Earlier this year, the British Metals Recycling Association and the Association of Chief Police Officers teamed up to help tackle the escalating problem.
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