In recent years, catalytic converter thefts have become a major issue, leaving vehicle owners vulnerable to significant financial losses, inconvenience, and sometimes a tight bind due to failed emissions tests.
In some cases, a catalytic converter being stolen is so costly that it may be worth selling the car rather than trying to replace it — typically for less than you would have gotten if you’d sold it for the catalytic converter intact.
We’re explaining why catalytic converter theft has become so common, what motivates people to steal catalytic converters, and the basic steps you can take to protect your vehicle from being targeted by thieves.
The Rise in Catalytic Converter Theft
Catalytic converter theft has recently seen a dramatic surge, affecting both personal and commercial vehicles. The primary reason behind this alarming trend is the valuable metals contained within catalytic converters, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium.
These precious metals can fetch high prices in the illicit market due to their use in various industrial applications, including jewelry, electronics, and automotive catalysts. That means every vehicle is driving around with at least a few hundred dollars in precious metals accessible to anyone willing to take them.
Catalytic converters are located underneath vehicles, making them relatively easy to access and remove with basic tools since thieves don’t need to break into the vehicle to access the part. Additionally, unlike vehicle identification numbers or other parts, catalytic converters generally lack unique markings, making it challenging to trace stolen units. That makes them a very attractive target.
Thieves can remove a catalytic converter swiftly, often within minutes. The precious metals within the converter can yield significant profits, encouraging thieves to target multiple vehicles in a short period.
Certain vehicles are more likely to be targeted than others because of the kind of catalytic converters located on their vehicle. For instance, Toyota Priuses are a common target for thieves because they actually have two catalytic converters per car, potentially yielding double the profits for a lucky thief.
Protecting Your Vehicle from Catalytic Converter Theft
Although catalytic converter thefts can be widespread and seem impossible to protect against, some effective measures can decrease your risk of having your vehicle targeted and dissuade would-be thieves who attempt to make off with your catalytic converter.
- Park in secure areas: Whenever possible, make sure you park your car in a well-lit, populated area with surveillance cameras. Thieves are far less likely to target easily visible vehicles and may be deterred by the increased risk of being caught on camera.
- Utilize a garage or secure parking: If you can, park your vehicle in a locked garage or secured parking facility. Any spot that requires a fob to access or has a gate between the entrance and the vehicle is significantly safer than street or ground-level parking, which can be a majorly effective way of protecting your vehicle from catalytic converter theft.
- Install security measures on your car: Consider investing in security devices designed to deter theft, such as catalytic converter protection devices, which can be fitted to your vehicle to make it more difficult to remove the converter. These devices typically involve additional shielding or clamps, making it harder for thieves to access the converter.
- Engrave or mark your converter: Although catalytic converters typically have no marking, they don’t have to. It’s possible to etch your vehicle identification number (VIN) or other unique markings onto the catalytic converter. These markings can deter thieves from stealing them in the first place or provide an extra chance at recovery if they’re stolen anyway. Reach out to your local police station — they often offer free engraving sessions for residents in an area a couple of times a year.
- Park strategically: Whenever possible, try parking your vehicle in a way that restricts access to the underside of your vehicle. This can involve parking close to a wall or another obstacle (such as another vehicle), making it more challenging for thieves to crawl underneath and remove the converter. Catalytic converter thefts are often a crime of opportunity, so if your vehicle looks harder to access than other cars nearby, thieves are likely to skip yours.
- Install security cameras: Depending on where you live and how common catalytic converter thefts are, it may make sense to take security measures into your own hands. Consider installing security cameras near your parking area to monitor and record any suspicious activity. Cameras can serve as a deterrent and provide evidence in the event of a theft. When installing the cameras, make sure they are in a highly visible location — you don’t want would-be thieves to miss them.
- Be vigilant and report suspicious activity: Stay alert to any unusual sounds, such as loud noises coming from beneath vehicles or unfamiliar individuals loitering near parked cars. If you notice suspicious activity, report it to the local authorities promptly. Well-policed areas are less likely to be targeted by thieves.
Catalytic converter theft poses a significant threat to vehicle owners, with the rising value of precious metals fueling this criminal activity.
You can significantly reduce the risk of catalytic converter theft by taking proactive steps to protect your vehicle, such as parking in secure areas, utilizing security devices, and employing preventive measures.
Stay proactive, and help create a safer environment for your vehicle and others on the road.