Guarding Against Catalytic Converter Thefts

5 Safety Steps

Ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for reading my newsletter today discussing an important issue that affects our community – the theft of catalytic converters.

Catalytic converters may seem like a small part of your vehicle, but they are increasingly becoming the target of thieves, and it's essential that we understand why and how to protect ourselves.

First and foremost, it's crucial to recognize that catalytic converter theft is considered a property crime. These criminals are often referred to as "cutters" because they can swiftly remove these converters in just 2 to 4 minutes.

One of the reasons behind this surge in theft is the high value of the precious metals found within catalytic converters, such as platinum, palladium and rhodium.

An ounce of rhodium several years ago would bring $30,000. Now, it could fetch about $7500. There's about one to two grams of rhodium in a converter.

Recycling centers are willing to pay significant amounts, ranging from $800 to $2500, particularly for converters from certain vehicles.

However, it's worth noting that not all attempts to recycle catalytic converters are successful. Courts can charge thieves with a different crime due to the precious metals involved, but at best, they may face a Class A or B misdemeanor.

Now, let's put this into perspective. If a thief can steal just two converters per weekend at an average of $800 each or conservatively $500, they could potentially make around $52,000 a year. That’s someones annual salary with about fifty hours of work. Can you imagine working one hour every weekend for 52k? It's a lucrative venture for them. At the height of the surge in 2022, thieves were stealing about 1200 converters a month. That’s a little over half a million dollars per month in total loss. It has slowed down significantly due to police surveillance and stings but, my mom’s Toyota Sequoia was hit recently at an Asian Market, hence, they are still lurking in the shadows.

The process often involves "cutters” selling stolen converters to scrap metal yards, which then sell to state-regulated businesses for even more money.

Some vehicles have as many as four catalytic converters, two in the front near the engine manifold and two in the back near the mufflers. Imagine the profit potential ranging from $2000 to $4000 for one vehicle.

What's even more concerning is that some of these criminals are using social media to sell their ill-gotten gains. This illegal activity has grown so large that it has even been rumored to fund terrorist organizations. This is why catalytic converter theft is spreading rapidly throughout the United States.

So, how can you protect yourself and your vehicle from falling victim to this crime? Here are 5 crucial steps:

1. Park in Well-Lit Areas: When possible, park your vehicle in well-lit areas or inside a garage.

2. Install a Catalytic Converter Lock: Consider investing in a catalytic converter lock or shield that makes it harder for thieves to remove the converter.

3. Install Surveillance Cameras: Place surveillance cameras around your property or parking area to deter thieves and capture evidence if a theft occurs.

4. Etch Your VIN: Etching your vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) onto the catalytic converter can make it less appealing to thieves and easier to trace if stolen.

5. Report Suspicious Activity: Be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or individuals around vehicles, especially during nighttime hours.

By taking these precautions and spreading awareness in our community, we can work together to make catalytic converter theft less appealing for criminals and protect our property.

Thank you for your attention, and let's keep our neighborhood safe.