The Commercial Vehicle Show, NEC, 18-20 April, 2023, sees the launch of CATrak, a new device to prevent catalytic converter theft. Developed in the US by CATrak Technologies, CATrak is the only anti-theft device that notifies the owner of a theft in progress. The intelligent security and monitoring system incorporates a loud, 140dB alarm and the real-time GPS location of the vehicle being targeted.

The ‘smart’ CATrak module is installed on the vehicle, as well as a separately mounted alarm and custom cut-detect module (CDT). During an attempted theft, if the device, wiring harness or converter itself is cut, the alarm is immediately activated and the owner is notified of a theft in progress via the accompanying CATrak app.

“Because of the increasing value of precious metals used to reduce emissions, thefts of catalytic converters have reached epidemic proportions all over the world,” says John Rollins, CATrak Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer. “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.”

Commercial vehicle operators have become a major target for thieves and CATrak has been developed specifically to meet the needs of fleet operators. Traditional protection for catalytic converters consists of passive anti-theft devices relying on physical barriers such as plates, cages and straps. These devices slow thieves down but do not prevent them as thieves are increasingly proficient at removing barriers and using saws that cut directly through them.

The CATrak secure portal enables an unlimited number of users, with various security functions, to investigate or notify security services and any preselected contacts of a theft directly via the App.

“We decided to launch in the UK as thefts are reported to be 10 times higher than in North America,” Rollins explains. “Criminal gangs are targeting vehicle depots and that’s why we’ve developed a system that allows each device with vehicle ID to be paired with the mobile app. Should a theft be attempted, any designated person can immediately see which vehicle is being tampered with, where it’s located, and take immediate action to prevent it.”

CATrak can be found at Stand 4C13, Hall, Commercial Vehicle Show, 18-20 April 2023 at the NEC, Birmingham, UK.