The Increase in Catalytic Converter Theft and How to Prevent It
Monday, January 25, 2021
HCA is sharing this important information about the rise in catalytic converter theft which was provided by the members of Catto & Catto.
In just the first three weeks of 2021, we have had several commercial clients of Catto who have
been victimized by catalytic converted thefts. Thieves are targeting these catalytic converters because they contain precious metals, like platinum, palladium or rhodium, that are valuable to metal dealers. They can sell them to scrap yards for up $200.
Thieves typically use a saw or wrench to remove it, depending on whether the catalytic converter is bolted or welded in. According to Edmunds the removal can take as little as one minute. We have learned the thieves are turning off the power to the outside
lights and cameras to the buildings, or cutting locks on fenced parking lots to get to the vehicles. This leads us to believe they have been observing the businesses for a while to learn the systems and identify vulnerabilities.
What are thieves looking for?
Fuel-powered vehicles manufactured after 1974 have catalytic converters, so there are a lot of cars on the road that might appeal to catalytic converter thieves. However, thieves often target taller vehicles (such as pickup trucks, vans, buses and SUVs)
because they can easily fit under the vehicle to access the catalytic converter. The location of your car may also be a factor — regularly parking in one area for a long period of time, such as a businesses overnight parking lot, will give thieves more
time to access your vehicle and steal the catalytic converter.
Consider these tips to help protect your car from catalytic converter theft:
- When possible, park in well-lit areas and close to building entrances.
- Install motion sensor lights on the outside of your buildings and parking areas.
- If you have a video surveillance system, evaluate the coverage and install more cameras or ensure employees are parking vehicles in areas covered by the cameras.
- If you have a garage at your house, park your car inside and keep the garage door shut.
- Have the catalytic converter welded to your car's frame, which may make it harder to steal.
- Consider engraving your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the catalytic converter — this may help alert a scrap dealer that it was stolen and make it easier to identify the owner.
- Calibrate your car's alarm to set off when it detects vibration.
Please see the attached document for more information and tips to help prevent these thefts.
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