Cat nappers about

I have a friend who owns a 2008 registered Toyota Landcruiser that he keeps in the car park of a block of flats locally with the alarm set. He recently drove it one morning and noticed a strange noise from below, took it to the local dealer and was informed that his catalytic converter had been removed using bolt cutters. It was replaced at a cost of £1,440. A week later, the same thing happened. He has not had it replaced yet and is in discussion with his insurers about what can be done and whether they will accept liability. He can't drive the vehicle and is becoming understandably paranoid.

Asked on 10 July 2010 by P.W., Watford

Answered by Honest John
Underslung catalytic converters are vulnerable to dishonest itinerant scrap metal merchants. But fortunately most catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters are now incorporated into the exhaust manifolds where they are inaccessible to thieves and cannot be stolen.
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