Catalytic Converter Etching Event For Prince Georgians May 13 To Help Prevent Thefts

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Upwards of 153,000 catalytic converter thefts were reported in 2022, according to Carfax. To help combat this alarming trend, Prince George's police officers will host a catalytic converter etching event.

The News4 I-Team analyzed theft data from some of the largest counties in Maryland and Virginia and found catalytic converter thefts have jumped at least 624 percent. In 2019, there were less than 200 thefts reported in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland and Fairfax and Prince William counties in Virginia. That number jumped to 1,325 last year.

Top 10 vehicles routinely targeted for catalytic converter theft include:

1. Toyota Prius
2. Honda Accord
3. Honda CR-V
4. Toyota Tacoma
5. Ford F Series Truck
6. Subaru Forester
7. Toyota Camry
8. Ford Econoline
9. Ford Explorer
10. Nissan NV

Andy Cohen, who runs a Maryland recycling facility, knows the value of a catalytic converter. Most have rhodium, a valuable precious metal, which sells for around $1,000 an ounce, News4 I-Team disclosed.

"People do call me all the time and say, 'Hey, would you like to buy our converters from us?'" he told the News4 I-Team. "If they drop outside, by the time I get here in the morning, the converters will be gone.

Cohen showed the I-Team just how quickly that can happen. It took him 37 seconds to remove a catalytic converter.

On May 13 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Miller Automotive Services at 12300 Old Baltimore Pike in Beltsville will etch and register catalytic converters. Appointments are required and the event is open only to Prince Georgians.

To schedule an appointment, call Carl at 301-937-8101.