Having just bought an '07 RX400h, these stories are scaring the heck out of me! Just seen this https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9461189/Thieves-pull-broad-daylight-steal-catalytic-converter-car.html for example.
I have to ask how the hell do these thieves actually get paid for these stolen cats? Surely the easiest way to stop this is to shut down the disposal chain? I simply don't understand how precious metals are firstly extracted from the cats, then introduced to the legitimate supply chain, having come from dubious sources? Am I being naive, or a bit thick, or something? Or are less scrupulous nationalities / governments / law enforcement ethics involved here?
My guess is these low life get about £25 for a stolen cat (which could amount to a pretty good living if it only takes 2 minutes), but costs the victim upwards of £500 a pop!
Think I'm going to straight pipe mine, if it goes missing!