RISING CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT😟
POSTED BY ALICE
A new crimewave focusing on catalytic converters has been on the rise over the last decade.
Between 2008 and 2015 more than 25,500 catalytic converters were stolen in the USA, an average of over 3,000 catalytic converters snatched from vehicles every year. This statistic hides a trend as well, with, in 2016, more than 4000 catalytic converters stolen. The number of thefts committed is on the rise and it keeps on growing. Also, a lot of stolen catalytic converters are unreported by the victims, so we can only approximate how damaging this new form of theft is. Given that it costs around US$ 2,000 to replace a catalytic we estimate that since 2008, US$ 51,000,000 worth was stolen from vehicles on American soil.
Given that it costs around US$ 2,000 to replace a catalytic we estimate that since 2008, US$ 51,000,000 worth was stolen from vehicles on American soil.
What are the consequences of this theft?
You will quickly discover the effects of a catalytic theft when you next drive your vehicle – there may be an engine sound completely different from what you are used to – similar to the sound of a motorcycle; your vehicle will feel less powerful since it is missing the compression it needs to work fully; your gasoline consumption will increase drastically as you will tend to push harder on the gas pedal to compensate for the loss in power.
Most importantly, you will be breaking the law and risk a heavy fine as, since January 1993, it is mandatory for all vehicles to be fitted with catalytic converters.
Why are catalytic converters prized by criminals?
To carry out its catalyzing function, the catalytic converter needs PGM metals – Platinum, Palladium, and Rhodium – and these are some of the most precious metals on earth.
Thus, thieves are stealing theses converters to resell the precious metals that they contain. Depending on the vehicle model, each catalytic is worth from US$ 50 up to more than US$ 300 in a recycling value.
Experienced thieves with good equipment can steal a catalytic converter within 30 minutes, ensuring them an easy and fast profit. On the other hand, for you, it is a significant loss, with a replacement costing around US$ 2,000.
Which cars are coveted?
No vehicle is immune from catalytic converter theft. However, the main targets are those with higher value catalytic – Audi’s, BMW’s, VW’s, Honda’s…
Thieves do not target cars by their overall value but only by the potential profit, they can get from catalytic converter theft. Thus, even older cars are targeted.
They will also prefer vehicles where they can access underneath with ease, such as SUVs.
How to prevent this from happening?
There is no 100% means of prevention, but we highly recommend you park your car in a closed garage if you have one at your disposal. If you do not, park your car near CCTV cameras, if possible, and not in a dark alley where your car is isolated.
As the thieves use electric saws to cut through your catalytic converter, be aware of unusual sounds – nobody usually legitimately tinkers with their car at night time, nor in front of your house!
Finally, you can also reinforce your exhaust system with strapping and new screws to slow down the theft process and discourage a thief from taking that valuable catalytic converter from your vehicle.
