Police Blog: Increase in Catalytic Converter Thefts

Catalytic Converter (CC) thefts are on the rise. The $40 - $200 a thief gets for selling your stolen CC can cost you in the area of $1,000 to replace, according to a report by Pro-Vigil.com.

The reason they are stolen is for some of the valuable material contained inside including platinum, rhodium and palladium. Platinum goes for about $1,600 an ounce, rhodium $1,200 and Palladium over $700.

It’s the combination of tiny amounts of these three metals that help to remove toxins from your vehicles exhaust.

CC thieves strike all times of the day. Stealing them at night is easy; no one sees you. The brazen act happens in broad daylight and in busy areas because no one pays the thieves any attention. SUV’s and other vehicles with a high clearance are more vulnerable because there is more room to move around.

The CC thief usually only needs a wrench or reciprocating saw. Some thieves will even use a mechanic’s dolly to slide under the vehicle more easily.  The Pro-Vigil article says the theft only takes 3 minutes and sometimes even faster.

The “part-time” CC thief will look for the easy steal. Sometimes they will even follow a car and wait for it to park. Organized CC thieves will look for the larger score. They will strike car dealerships, mall parking lots, auto repair shop lots and fleet parking lots.

How can you reduce your chances of becoming a victim?

1) Park in lighted areas – Though not the magic bullet to stopping CC theft, effective lighting can make your vehicle less vulnerable since the bad guy can be more visible at night.

2) Video Cameras – Look for video cameras in the areas you park. Again, not a magic bullet, but it can be a deterrent.

3) Watch the News – Our local media can actually come in handy. Stories about CC theft can give you information on patterns of where the thefts are occurring.

4) Spread the news – Talk to your neighbors, go through your Homeowners Association (HOA), Neighborhood Watch (NW) and talk to the people you work with. Let them know that this is an issue and to be aware of it.

5) Talk to your mechanic about welding the mounting bolts of your CC. Most are just bolted in and are easily unscrewed.

6) Look online and check with your mechanic about using devices specifically made to secure your catalytic converter. There are protective sleeve products and other devices that can act as deterrent.

7) Etch your CC with a serial number or some other identification. This might act as a deterrent and could even help the police track your CC after it is stolen.

Good Luck!

Officer Larry Jacobs is the Crime Prevention Officer for the Sandy Springs Police Department. He can be reached at ljacobs@sandyspringsga.gov.