During 2009, more than 1,100 catalytic converters were stolen across Britain (not including London). In the first five months of this year, more than 2,300 were taken, with the South and East of England being among the worst affected areas.

Thieves are targeting catalytic converters – located in the exhaust system – because of the high value of the precious metals they contain, which includes platinum, rhodium and palladium. Opportunistic thieves simply cut the catalytic converter from the exhaust pipe of a parked vehicle and sell them on to scrap metal dealers. This results in expensive repairs often running into thousands of pounds to replace the catalytic converter and the damaged exhaust, not to mention the inconvenience.

Larger vehicles such as 4x4s, LCVs and estates are especially vulnerable because their high ground clearance means the converters are more accessible.

It’s clearly a huge problem – and this is where CATLOC comes in. The CATLOC is a highly secure and cost effective catalytic converter anti-theft device. The universal design allows a secure fitment to 99% of at risk vehicles, without affecting the operation of the converter.

The CATLOC uses high quality components and for maximum effectiveness two security cables are attached to the vehicle’s underbody during installation. It also comes with ISR protection as standard. The ISR marking will deter thieves, and the registration kit securely etches a unique code which can be immediately identified by calling the ISR. Catloc offers a low and fixed cost 24hr nationwide installation service to ensure vehicles aren’t taken off the road when they’re needed most, or fitment at one of its approved centres if preferred.

Paul Chase is Managing Director of Catloc, the company recently launched to respond to industry demand for protection of catalytic converters. He commented: “We’re really pleased to announce the launch ofCATLOC. It’s a great product and will really benefit fleets and well as private drivers. I believe the two key USP’s of CATLOC are cost effectiveness and our ability to offer our customers a fixed cost, nationwide 24 hour installation service – from experience we appreciate the importance of keeping our customers vehicles on the road and earning them money. By supplying a service that fits around their operation, we will massively reduce VOR time.

“I’m looking forward to rolling the product out – we’ve had a lot of interest already, and we’re so confident in the product being a success, we’re offering our customers the CATLOC money back guarantee.”