A new anti-theft device that notifies vehicle owners of catalytic converter thefts in progress is debuting at this April’s CV Show.

The CATrak sounds an alarm in the event of an attempted catalytic converter theft while also alerting the owner via an app

Said to be a world-first, the CATrak intelligent security and monitoring system incorporates a loud, 140dB alarm and the real-time GPS location of the vehicle being targeted.

Developed in the US by CATrak Technologies, the ‘smart’ CATrak module is installed on the vehicle, along with a separately mounted alarm and custom cut-detect module (CDT).

In the event of an attempted theft, the system activates an alarm, if the device, wiring harness or converter itself is cut, while also alerting the owner via the accompanying CATrak app.

It launches as thefts of catalytic converters reach epidemic proportions globally on the back of the increasing value of precious metals used in them.

John Rollins, CATrak co-founder and chief operations officer, said: “Converters can be stolen in less than two minutes and enormous losses are being borne by insurance companies and fleet operators, as well as the disruption and loss of revenue from vehicles being undriveable.”

Traditional protection for catalytic converters consists of passive anti-theft devices relying on physical barriers such as plates, cages and straps. These devices slow thieves down but do not prevent them as thieves are increasingly proficient at removing barriers and using saws that cut directly through them.

Developed specifically to meet the needs of fleets, the CATrak secure portal enables an unlimited number of users, with various security functions, to investigate or notify security services and any preselected contacts of a theft directly via the App.

“We decided to launch in the UK as thefts are reported to be 10 times higher than in North America,” Rollins explained. “Criminal gangs are targeting vehicle depots and that’s why we’ve developed a system that allows each device with vehicle ID to be paired with the mobile app. Should a theft be attempted, any designated person can immediately see which vehicle is being tampered with, where it’s located, and take immediate action to prevent it.”

CATrak will be on display at Stand 4C13 at the CV Show from 18-20 April 2023 at the NEC, Birmingham.