Dublin car gangs have started the new year with a bang as numerous catalytic converter thefts have crept back up once again across north and west Dublin.
The expensive car part snatch has become a quick and easy way for thieves to make a couple of hundred bucks for just seconds work.
A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device which reduces toxic gases and pollutants into less-toxic pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction.
It contains several metals including small amounts of rhodium which is like platinum. This type of metal is very rare and valuable.
Drivers in as many as five different large areas were stung by the criminals who could make a month's wage in one minute from the thefts.
Cars in Tyrrelstown, Mulhuddart, Clontarf, Marino and Fairview were hit up on Wednesday and Thursday night as neighbourhood watch messages were alerted.
Most cars targeted in west Dublin happened to be Toyotas and a three-man gang were reported as being behind the crimes in those areas.
While on the northside, two males were reported to be the culprits who came prepared with a "mechanic’s trolley and jack in an attempt to remove the catalytic converter".
One resident said: "They were approached, abandoned their attempt and fled.
"Clontarf Gardaí were alerted and on the scene quickly.
"Dashcam footage of the attempted theft was passed on and is currently being followed-up.
"Please be vigilant and report anything suspicious, day or night, directly to the Gardaí in Clontarf on 01-6664800."
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