Thieves Stealing Vehicle Parts For Precious Metals

Imported cars at the port of Mombasa await clearance.
Imported cars at the port of Mombasa await clearance.
File

Kenyan motorists have been experiencing a rise in cases of theft targeting specific vehicle part - the exhaust part - whose hidden component in said to be in demand globally.

Reports in Kenya indicate that most motorists have reported theft cases specifically targeting exhaust systems.

“A mechanic recently removed some section of the exhaust system belonging to a client's car and thought he had gotten away with it. The client came back moments later, and marched the mechanic to the Kasarani Police Station,” Charles Kireki shared his views on social media.

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Traffic snarl-up at Uhuru Highway in Nairobi in March 2020.
Kenyans.co.ke

Car enthusiasts explained that a car exhaust contains a catalytic converter which helps to reduce airborne pollutants that could harm people as well as the environment, turning 90% of harmful emissions into less harmful gasses.

According to a report by Washington Post, the catalytic converter contains a metal element called Rhodium which has seen a global increase in demand and prices, and worth more than gold. 

“I know a person who had his catalytic converter stolen from his Volkswagen Golf, and the check engine light wouldn’t turn off, meaning something was missing,” another user stated. 

The catalytic converter also contains platinum and palladium which are also precious metals.

While some mechanics usually steal the component, some will trick their clients into voluntarily giving it away. 

“Experienced it with a mechanic along Kangundo Road 4 years ago. He was quick to remove it from my Mazda Bongo and told me it was useless,” a victim shared. 

Vehicle owners are advised to inspect their cars before and after dropping off their cars at the mechanic. In some cases, one is also advised to have the car licence number written into the catalyst converter

Other car parts that are prone to theft include wheels, side mirrors and radio entertainment components. 

According to the Association of Kenya Insurers, there are ready markets for spare parts especially of cheaper car models like Toyota, Isuzu, and Nissan. Mitsubishi and Mercedes Benz complete the top five.

Volvo, Honda, BMW, Ford, and Hyundai according to AKI, are cars less likely to be stolen and thus a low demand for their parts in the black market.

File image of a catalytic converter.
File image of a catalytic converter.
Business Daily
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