Gangs are prowling roads, jacking up cars and cutting out catalytic converters within seconds across Birmingham.
Thieves are targeting the devices for their prized precious metals; platinum, rhodium and palladium - which can command high prices on the black market.
It was reported that rhodium can command prices of up to £2,000 an ounce - twice the value of gold, while palladium and platinum trade up to 80 per cent the value of gold.
West Midlands Police issued a warning after vehicles in Willenhall, Bloxwich, Darlaston and Aldridge were targeted earlier this month.
We spoke to Tim Shallcross, head of technical policy from road safety charity iAm Road Smart , to find out why certain drivers are being targeted.
Watch BirminghamLive's exclusive footage showing a brazen gang rip the converter from a Toyota Pruis parked on Blackford Road, in Sparkhill above.
What is a catalytic converter?
A catalytic converter is a device which is fitted in the exhaust system of a vehicle and removes harmful gases. They were fitted in petrol cars in the 1990s and to diesels since about 2001.
Is it hard to steal a catalytic converter?
“Not very” said Mr Shallcross.
He said: “They simply dive under the vehicle and use powered shears or a grinder to cut through the exhaust pipe either side of the CAT.
“The owner is then left with the inconvenience and cost of getting the car repaired.
“There have been suggestions that owners might not realise the CAT has been stolen, rendering them liable to a fine of up to £1,000, but this is not likely.
“A loud exhaust noise will be obvious as soon as the engine is started - like a large motorbike or an express train. Most owners will realise straight away that something is wrong.
“The engine warning light will also stay illuminated in the dashboard.”
How much will it cost to replace?
Mr Shallcross said: “Typically, a replacement CAT will cost somewhere between £300 and £500, but there could be two if the engine is a V4 or V6.
“Then the damage to the exhaust pipe will have to be repaired and the new CAT fitted.
“If you have comprehensive insurance it should cover this theft, but there is always the excess to pay and weighing up whether making a claim will simply boost your premiums next year.
Chop Shops in Birmingham
Which vehicles are more at risk ?
“Vehicles with a high ground clearance are the most susceptible because they don’t have to be jacked up to get underneath, so vans and 4x4 cars are more at risk.”
Below, watch Corsa Cannibals, rip the front end of a vehicle:
What can we do to protect ourselves?
He said: “Park in a garage if possible, although I accept that’s not an option for many city dwellers. Parking under a street light or in a busy road may help.
“CAT protectors are available which clamp round the unit and attach it to the underside of the vehicle with a strong wire rope.
"They are a deterrent because at the very least they will take a lot longer to cut through, but they cost around £100 - £150.
“Ask a garage to mark the CAT so it can be traced – engraving the car’s number plate or VIN will help the police prove the CAT has been stolen if a scrap metal dealer is raided, otherwise there are no distinguishing marks and thieves or scrap dealers can claim they come from scrapped cars.”
