Thieves Targeting Hybrid Vehicle Exhausts For Precious Metals That Sell For Rs 24,000 Per Gram

The state police force of the Republic of Ireland are investigating a recent theft of a hybrid car¡¯s catalytic converter in Dublin. The theft is the latest in line by an alleged gang which conducted dozens of similar thefts.

The most recent theft took place in Red Cow Luas Park & Ride facility in west Dublin on Friday. As per a report by The Journal, the theft took place between the hours of 8:30 am and 12.30 pm as its owner had gone to work. The thieves climbed under the hybrid vehicle and cut off the car¡¯s catalytic converter.

The report cites the victim¡¯s husband saying ¡°She drives a hybrid so there is platinum in the catalytic converter which they scrap.¡± He added, ¡°When I contacted the guards they said this is a recurring act in this location. They also said the CCTV footage is terrible there and it only covers a small percentage of the car park which is very unclear.¡°

A catalytic converter in a Diesel car (Representative Image: Reuters)

The reason for the theft, as highlighted above, is that the cars¡¯ converters contain precious metals like rhodium and palladium. Thieves reportedly steal those to sell them to operators of scrap yards around the capital. Such metals are found more in hybrid cars than standard vehicles, as they are used to remove hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and other harmful gases from exhaust emission.

The report further mentions that such parts are stolen from the cars within minutes. The items are sold at a scrapyard, where they are sold back to the motorists at an inflated price.

An average car¡¯s catalytic converter contains about 2 grams of palladium, with some models even using up to 7 grams of the metal. An ounce (or 28 grams) of palladium currently trades at just below €2,000 (~Rs 1.7 lakh) as per the report. Rhodium trades at just over €8,200 (Rs 6.8 lakh) per 28 grams.

This is what makes it very difficult for the owners of the targeted vehicles to replace the stolen part. ¡°We got quotes for €1,200 (~Rs 1 lakh) to get the car fixed which is a month¡¯s wage for my wife,¡± says the husband cited in the report. Then again, even getting it fixed is not a permanent solution, ¡° When we get it fixed we will not feel safe leaving it back there so we can get stung again,¡± he adds.

Palladium Metal (Representative Image: Reuters)

Garda¨ª, or the police force of Dublin, believe that a criminal gang in the area is behind the thefts. The report mentions a number of such thefts being reported to the officers in the area. The report cites a garda spokesman confirming an investigation into Friday¡¯s theft. ¡°Garda¨ª are investigating an incident of theft from a car that occurred on Friday 22 May 2020 at approximately 1pm near Oak Road, in Clondalkin. During the incident, a catalytic converter was taken from the vehicle. No damage was caused to the car. Investigation ongoing.¡±