Catalytic converters stolen by criminal gangs

Precious metals contained in catalytic converters targeted as prices exceed that of gold

Recently thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles have skyrocketed in Ireland as gangs try to cash in on the increased prices of the precious metals contained within these devices.

From unofficial Garda reports, it is thought that there has been an increase of thefts of up to 3 times the norm for these car parts. it is speculated to be due to the fact that these devices can be sold for up to €500 on the black market. Quite a little money-making scheme!

These gangs have found an opportunity on the black market to sell these devices for a pretty penny as the converter contains precious metals. These can then be recycled and used in jewellery, electronics and dentistry.

What is a catalytic converter?

For an automobile’s internal combustion engine to operate, a controlled combustion reaction needs to occur inside the vehicle’s engine. But in doing so it produces harmful burnt gases:

Carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas)
Nitrogen oxides (a cause of smog and acid rain)
Hydrocarbons (a cause of smog)

A catalytic converter acts as an exhaust emission control device which converts toxic gases and pollutants produced by the internal combustion engine of the vehicle into less toxic agents via a catalysing redox reaction.

A catalyst is a compound that can trigger a chemical reaction without being affected themselves. They are present in many forms naturally in living organisms. In this case, we are talking about their use in automobiles to reduce harmful emissions.

The catalyst used in a catalytic converter is a combination of platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and rhodium (Rh). These metals coat a ceramic honeycomb (or ceramic beads) contained within a metal casing that is attached to the exhaust pipe. The catalytic converter’s honeycomb structure provides the maximum surface area on which reactions can take place while using the least amount of catalyst.

A reduction and oxidation reaction occur inside the device. Carbon monoxide (CO) is converted to carbon dioxide (CO2). Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are broken down into nitrogen gas (N2) and oxygen gas (O2). And hydrocarbons (HC) are converted into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).

However, catalytic converters are less efficient when used with diesel engines, which run colder than petrol engines. Catalytic converters work best at higher temperatures. Diesel engines also produce particles such as soot. But adding a particulate filter to the catalysts in the catalytic converter can reduce emissions of ultra-fine particles by up to 99%. In short, it is a vital part of any vehicle.

These catalytic converters are worth hundreds of euros as these metals are quite precious and not as plentiful as we would hope. In some cases, these go on to sell for a market value more than gold which would be an indication for the huge spike in thefts of these devices. A source from the Gardai said

“Last year, there was an average of 14 or 15 a month. In July alone this year, there have been more than 50. There have been 28 in the first two weeks of August.”

These thefts are occurring in very mundane places in the likes of the national aquatic centre and IKEA carpark in the middle of the day. Although it can be hard to calculate the exact figures as they are classified as general car crime it is evident there has been a surge in this area.

Author

Justin Kavanagh
Justin Kavanagh is a recognised leader in automotive intelligence and vehicle data supply to the entire motor industry. He has almost 20 years experience in building systems from the ground up. As the Managing Director of Vehicle Management System, he understands the need and importance of trustworthy and reliable vehicle history and advice to both the trade and the public.
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