Hauliers: beware of the Cat burglars
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TRUCK AND VAN operators are being warned that theft of vehicle exhaust emission catalysts and diesel particulate filters (DPF) is fast becoming a very real threat.
“Thousands of catalytic converters and diesel particulate filter systems are stolen every year,” said Eminox, a well-known supplier of this equipment.
The firm is now offering a theft-deterrent system called TruckMinder, developed by the eponymous Poole, Dorset-based company. A sensor clamped to the exhaust pipe near the catalyst/DPF is tuned to detect the frequencies associated with sawing or cutting the pipe. This triggers an audible alarm that should deter the theft.
An optional extra is a GSM mobile phone modem that automatically sends text messages to the driver or operator, alerting them that an attempted theft is underway. Alarms are also triggered if a thief attempts to bypass the system by cutting the sensor’s wiring or disconnecting the battery, as the system has its own internal back-up battery.
TruckMinder is de-activated when the vehicle’s ignition is switched on, so normal vibrations of the exhaust system do not trigger an alarm.
“Theft of catalysts and filters is on the increase,” said Eminox marketing manager Kathye Henderson. “LGVs are a prime target because they have larger systems with more precious metal. We wanted to offer help with this problem, and the TruckMinder system provides protection options we think are the best solution for vehicle owners.”