Catalytic Converter Task Force Created In Fairfax County To Address Surge In Thefts

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — The Fairfax County Police Department has created a Catalytic Converter Task Force to investigate the theft of the converters and any organized regional rings behind the increase in thefts.

Catalytic converters are usually made up of three precious metals: platinum, palladium and rhodium. The value of the precious metals has risen sharply, with the prices paid for stolen catalytic converters increased in line with the higher values.

In 2021, police across the nation saw the number of catalytic converter thefts drastically increase. Fairfax County has not been immune to this trend. From January to April this year, 333 catalytic converters were stolen in Fairfax County, compared with just 27 similar thefts over the same period in 2021.

With the surge of catalytic converter thefts, Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis directed the formation of the task force to address these incidents.

The task force is composed of detectives from the FCPD's Criminal Investigations Division and Special Investigations Division and its analysts. They meet weekly to discuss patterns and maintain up-to-date information on catalytic converter thefts throughout Fairfax County and the D.C. area.

"Combating this issue has been an all-hands-on deck approach for the Department," the police department said in an email to Patch. "We’ve had directed patrols in the County to deter and apprehend those responsible."

One of the suggestions offered by the FCPD to prevent the thefts is to mark the vehicle identification number, or VIN, on the converter with a UV pen, VIN etching, or high temperature paint to help with linkage when it is sold for scrap.

Commanders at the FCPD's Sully District Station recently joined forces with a local auto body shop to provide VIN etching. "We hope this not only deters criminals from stealing catalytic converters but aids detectives in tracking down the rightful owners," the department said.

READ ALSO: Catalytic Converter Thefts On The Rise Across Fairfax County: Police

“We are fully aware of the tremendous cost and inconveniences these thefts involve and will continue to put significant resources to combat the thieves and reduce and eliminate these crimes wherever possible,” Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay said in an email to county residents last Friday.

Catalytic converters, which contain the precious metals, are part of a vehicle's emissions system. As the engine heats up and air moves through the system and into the converter, it interacts with these precious metals, which extract pollutants from the air.

Thieves are targeting Toyota Priuses, which are hybrids, in particular because of their electric batteries. The longer a gasoline-fueled engine runs, the more air passes through the catalytic converter. Over time, the precious metals begin to wear away. Since a Prius periodically runs off its battery instead of its gas-fueled engine, a Prius catalytic converter will retain more of its precious metals.

Thieves are also targeting Ford F250 trucks, which have larger catalytic converters in order to help the gas-burning pickups meet clean emission requirements.

The FCPD's Public Affairs Bureau has shared social media posts to inform the community about actions the department is taking and what the public can do to prevent the thefts.

The FCPD’s suggestions to prevent catalytic converter thefts include:

• Park your vehicle in a garage, a secured area, or a well-lit area, and in the sight line of a video doorbell or security camera.
• Apply a commercial catalytic theft prevention device.
• Install a motion activated dashcam system in your vehicle.
• Mark the VIN on the converter with a UV pen, VIN etching or high temperature paint to help with linkage when it is sold for scrap.

When reporting a stolen catalytic converter, residents can call the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131, or 911 if it is an emergency.