CATrak targets catalytic converter thieves

US firm CATrak Technologies has launched a device to prevent catalytic converter theft which alerts the owner when a theft is in progress.

The system has been launched in the UK, where thefts of catalytic converters from commercial vehicles are 10 times higher than in North America.

The smart CATrak module is installed on the vehicle, as well as a separately mounted alarm and custom cut-detect module (CDT). It incorporates a 140dB alarm and the real-time GPS location of the vehicle being targeted.

During an attempted theft, if the device, wiring harness or converter itself is cut, the alarm is activated and the owner is notified of a theft in progress via the CATrak app.

John Rollins, CATrak co-founder and chief operations officer, said the innovation was designed to meet the needs of fleet operators.

“Because of the increasing value of precious metals used to reduce emissions, thefts of catalytic converters have reached epidemic proportions all over the world,” he said. “Converters can be stolen in less than two minutes and enormous losses are being borne by insurance companies and fleet operators, as well as the disruption and loss of revenue from vehicles being undriveable.”

Westminster City Council, together with Cross River Partnership (CRP), has set up the hub, where online purchases will be delivered by electric cargo bikes. Based in the Q-Park car park in Cambridge Street, the 750sq ft hub has been built and equipped by Infinium Logistics.

Delivery Mates, which has been appointed to run the hub, will receive goods via electric vehicles and then deliver them to the local area. The council estimates that cargo e-bikes will deliver about 2,000 parcels a day from the hub to residents and businesses, reducing congestion and pollution.

Delivery Mates, which already operates five existing hubs in London, will share data from the trial, such as CO2 savings.

Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, Westminster City Council cabinet member for city management and air quality, said: “This new micrologistics hub has an important part to play by promoting healthy, greener and more efficient deliveries.”