Recent thefts a catalyst for Garda warning

GARDAÍ are advising car owners to be vigilant following a spate of thefts of catalytic convertors in the county. The latest theft occurred in Clarecastle last week. In the early hours of Wednesday morning last at around 3pm the owner of a car on Patrick Street, Clarecastle discovered the catalytic converter had been cut away from his car.
Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Triona Brooks explains that the car owner had thought he had heard the sound of a grinder outside his home before making the unfortunate discovery. Sgt Brooks outlined that there were two similar incidents last week in East Clare, and it can cost the owner up to €2,500 to replace the catalytic converter.
“It can take as little as three minutes for a thief to remove it which are being stolen because of the increasing prices in the scrap metal market, platinum, rhodium, palladium and other precious metals they employ to clean exhaust emissions, getting €100 to €300 for it.”
She advised car owners to property mark their catalytic converter as well as welding bolts shut to act as a deterrent to a thief. She added that special casings are available from local garages.
Sgt Brooks concluded, “Park your car as close to the wall of your house / driveway as you can making access under vehicles harder and ensure that there is good security lighting where you park.”