Catalytic Converter Theft

Almost all cars contain something valuable that attracts thieves like a magnet. Side mirrors, hubcaps, stereos, and license plates are just a few of the items that have a high resale value on the black market. One of the most popular items for thieves to target, however, is the catalytic converter.

Due to the precious metals these parts contain, catalytic converter theft has been on the rise across the country, and it is one of the most common crimes committed these days. If you have a car, it’s important to be aware of the signs that your catalytic converter may have been stolen so you can take steps to prevent it from happening to you. Here we will talk about what a catalytic converter is, why thieves target them, how you can protect your vehicle, and more.

What is a Catalytic Converter?

A catalytic converter is a device that converts the harmful pollutants produced by an automobile exhaust into less harmful substances. This is done through a chemical process that takes place within the converter. The catalyst in a catalytic converter is made up of ceramic honeycombs filled with precious metals.

It is a part of your car's exhaust system and is located between the engine and the muffler. The converter uses platinum, palladium, or rhodium to convert carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water vapor. Catalytic converters began in the mid-1970s as a way to reduce air pollution from cars and have become standard equipment on all cars and light trucks since then.

Why Thieves Target Them

As mentioned, a catalytic converter contains precious metals, which makes it an attractive target for thieves. In today's market, catalytic converters can be sold for $50, and collected precious metals can be sold for $1,000 an ounce or more. That’s why thieves are willing to take the risk of stealing them.

Catalytic converters can be removed easily, especially if the thieves have the right tools. All they need is a wrench or a saw to disconnect it from the exhaust pipe. The entire process takes less than a minute, which makes it difficult for bystanders or law enforcement to catch the thief in the act.

Also, another thing is that there is no way to track down a stolen catalytic converter. Once it’s been removed from the vehicle, there is no way to identify it as being stolen property, not unless you are regularly checking under your car.

Statistics and Facts About Catalytic Converter Theft

For some that treat a catalytic converter theft as a fantasy, here are some interesting statistics and facts about this crime:

• 2018 - NICB's Operations, Intelligence, and Analytics Department recorded that there were 108 catalytic converter theft cases per month in the United States.

• 2019 - The number of monthly catalytic converter thefts in the United States increased to 282 cases per month, which closes the number to almost three times as many incidents as the previous years.

• 2020 - Since the global pandemic of COVID-19 started in March, the number of catalytic converter thefts has multiplied where 1,203 average thefts of catalytic converters have been recorded per month in the United States where California, Minnesota, Texas, and Illinois are the top states with the most reported cases.

Citing a case in Alpharetta, Georgia, six car owners reported that their catalytic converters were stolen in a span of hours. All victims parked their cars in public parking lots and were surprised as they were greeted by loud noises when attempting to start their engines.

What Are the Types of Cars That Are Typically Targeted?

One way of preventing theft from happening is by knowing which types of cars are targeted the most and if your current car is one of them. 

The most targeted types of cars are usually ones that have a higher ground clearance:

• SUVs
• Trucks
• Minivans
• Crossover vehicles

Some of the most attractive brands for thieves are Honda, Toyota, and Ford. The reason being is that these models have a high resale value, which means that their parts are worth a lot of money. This list of makes can include Honda CR-V, Toyota Prius, Ford F-Series, and the likes.

Common Signs Your Catalytic Converter May Have Been Stolen

For someone who is not familiar with what a catalytic converter looks like, it might be hard to tell if it’s been stolen or not. However, there are some common signs that you can look for:

1. Your car is making a loud noise: One of the most common signs that your catalytic converter has been stolen is when you start to hear a loud noise coming as soon as you start the engine. This sound gets even louder every time you push on the gas.
2. Your “check engine” light is on: Another sign that your catalytic converter has been stolen is when the “check engine” light turns on. Inspection failures can also happen because of this.
3. Missing parts: You can see missing parts that lead to the muffler if you take a look under your car.
4. Increased fumes in the exhaust: Another way to tell if your catalytic converter has been stolen is by the increased fumes and smells coming out of the exhaust pipe.
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How You Can Protect Your Catalytic Converter

With the increasing cases of stolen catalytic converters, it’s important to take the necessary steps in order to protect your vehicle. Here are some tips on how you can do so:

• Know if your car is a common target: As mentioned above, there are several types of vehicles where catalytic converter theft is more likely to happen. If you own one of these, it’s important to be more vigilant and take the necessary precautions.
• Always park in a well-lit and visible area: Keep your car parked where there is a lot of foot traffic or in an area that is well-lit. The more visible your car is, the less likely it will be targeted by thieves.
• Install motion-activated lights: If you don't have a garage, you can also install motion-activated lights where you usually park your car. This will help deter thieves as they will be more visible when they try to steal the catalytic converter.
• Install a catalytic converter shield: The best way might be to install a catalytic converter shield as this will make it impossible for thieves to steal it. Opt for a durable material such as stainless steel for the best protection. Simply type "catalytic converter shield installation near me" on your search engine to find a nearby workshop that can do this for you.



FAQs

What cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft?

There's no exception when it comes to car models as any type can be targeted by thieves. However, the more popular your car or truck model is, the more likely it will be stolen. Here's a list from Carfax of the most popular targets nationwide:

• 1985-2021 Ford F-Series pickup trucks (F-150, F-250, etc.)
• 1989-2020 Honda Accord
• 2007-17 Jeep Patriot
• 1990-2022 Ford Econoline vans
• 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks
• 2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox
• 1997-2020 Honda CR-V
• 1987-2019 Toyota Camry
• 2011-17 Chrysler 200
• 2001-21 Toyota Prius

How much is a catalytic converter worth when stolen?

A stolen catalytic converter can be sold for as much as $1,500. The large rhodium content alone can be sold for more than $15,000 an ounce. That is why it is not surprising that this target is becoming more common among thieves.

How can I protect my catalytic converter from being stolen?

Park in well-lit areas, carve your license plate number into the converter, and/or install an anti-theft device. You might also want to consider getting a catalytic converter shield as a preventative measure.

Why does someone steal a catalytic converter?

With the increasing value of the metals inside catalytic converters, which are platinum, palladium, and rhodium, it is a no-brainer as to why this target is becoming more popular among thieves. These materials can be sold for a high price, making them a lucrative option for criminals.