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Growing numbers of catalytic converter thefts from cars have spilled into the haulage industry, but manufacturers are highlighting that they have absolutely no scrap value. The presence of precious metals such as platinum within the pollution-reducing devices designed for cars has made them a prized catch among thieves, who can get up to £100 each for them at scrap dealers.

One truck dealer told CM he is extremely concerned about the number of catalytic converters on trucks sat on his  forecourt that cost "a fortune" and could make his business a target for thieves. Mercedes confirms that thefts of catalytic converters from trucks have now become an issue, but they don't contain platinum and as a result are worthless as scrap.

"They have some metals in them, but not platinum," a Mercedes spokesman explains. "It's a popular misconception. We have had one or two cases reported, but our message is there's no point pinching them for scrap value."

However, the spokesman adds that due to their £3,500 price tag, catalytic converters could be stolen to order: "As a spare part they are really quite expensive."

Ken Grindrod, from Yorkshire truck sales group Pelican Engineering, says he fears they could be stolen for operators who enter London's low-emission zone. "The great value of them is filtering the pollutants out of the exhaust system," he says.  "If someone can get one on the black market to allow them to get into London free, but they have to pay £1,000 to get it, they will, as long as what they pay is less than going to a reputable dealer and buying one."