Catalytic Converter Heists Reported in Palos Hills

PALOS HILLS, IL — Thieves heisted catalytic converters in two separate incidents in Palos Hills, according to police reports.

Sometime during the overnight hours of April 5, someone stole a catalytic converter off a Toyota Prius in the 10000 block of Hill Terrace. The theft was reported April 7.

A catalytic converter was also sliced off a Cadillac DeVille in the 8500 block of 101st Terrace. The theft was reported April 9, but the vehicle owner believed the part had been stolen withing the last four or five days.

Ways to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

Call a local muffler shop and ask which vehicles are being targeted by catalytic converter thieves. Trucks and SUVs are also marked because they’re easy to crawl under. The Prius is one of the most often targeted for cat thefts, according to Nerd Wallet.

Install an anti-theft device on your catalytic converter.

It’s cheaper than having to replace a catalytic converter, which can cost up to $$$$$. Different types of anti-theft devices include:

• steel shield that fits over the catalytic converter,
• locking cable device that secures the converter to your car
• or a cage made of rebar or other high-strength steel that's difficult to cut.

Devices range in price from $200 to $800. There are also catalytic converter alarms that can detect motion under your vehicle, starting around $29.99.

Engrave your VIN number on it.

Engrave your VIN number on your catalytic converter, making it easier to identify you as the owner. It could alert a scrap dealer that the part is stolen, who may decline to buy it.

Park in well-lit areas.

If you can’t park on your driveway or parking lot, park in busy well-lit areas near a building entrance.

Install motion detection lights. Floodlights are a great theft deterrent.