Theft of catalytic converters is on the increase everywhere.
Many people are unaware that the most valuable part of your car to scrap is the catalytic converter.
They resemble mufflers and are connected to the vehicle’s pollution control system.
Because they include platinum, palladium, and rhodium, thieves have become more and more fascinated in them.
These valuable metals are what turn your car’s dangerous exhaust into less dangerous fumes.
I find it surprising.
Precious metals worth tens of thousands of dollars might be hiding beneath your vehicle right now.
How probable is it that someone will steal your catalytic converter?
Theft of catalytic converters is on the increase nationwide, as was previously noted.
467 catalytic converters were reported stolen in Sacramento County by the Sheriff’s Office in 2019.
In 2020, there were 1,131 stolen catalytic converters.
In 2020, there were around 1,200 catalytic converter thefts per month nationwide.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that this is a sharp rise from the average monthly crime rate of 280 from the previous year.
Theft of catalytic converters went from 3,389 in 2019 to a staggering 14,400 in 2020!
For a number of reasons, catalytic converter theft is on the increase.
These motives consist of:
- The sharp rise in the price of palladium.
- Catalytic converters’ high value has been more well known among those with criminal inclinations.
- Once stolen, catalytic converters are very difficult to find.
By vehicle make and model, catalytic converters might differ.
Since certain catalytic converters are less expensive than others, theft is less likely to occur.
It’s critical to determine if your converter is very susceptible to theft.
The top 3 frequent catalytic converters that are targeted everyday are shown below!
Catalytic Converters That Are Often Stolen:
1. The Hybrid Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius Hybrid is the vehicle whose catalytic converter is most often stolen.
Because they contain a higher percentage of precious metals than ordinary converters, these catalytic converters are easier to discover and more valuable.
Why then does the Toyota Prius Converter rank first on our list of theft alerts while being so valuable? Because it alternates between using gas and electricity continually, this converter has a heavier loading of precious metals than conventional converters.
A bigger loading of precious metals is required because the precious metals must make up for the absence of heat activation.
2. The Ram Dodge
This price represents the amount of precious metals included in its converter, and many criminals have it on their radar.
Since it is simpler for a thief to get beneath a truck and chop out the catalytic converter than it is for cars, vehicles are more at danger overall.
3. Ford’s F-150
The most popular truck in the country is the Ford F-150.
Catalytic converters will inevitably be a major target since they are the most popular truck component.
Furthermore, these converters provide the burglar a respectable return since they are high enough off the ground for someone to simply crawl beneath and cut the converter off.
Be very wary of catalytic converter theft if you own a Ford F-150!
Understanding the areas where these thefts are happening most often is crucial now that we know which converters are at a greater risk.
Also keep in mind that even while converter theft may not be common where you live, it is still possible.
The top 5 states where catalytic converter theft complaints were reported in the first half of 2021 are shown below.
- California
- Texas
- Minnesota
- Washington
- Illinois
So what can be done to prevent the theft of catalytic converters? Several options are:
- By adding base plates or, if feasible, designing the converter closer to the engine chamber, automakers might make it more difficult for converters to be stolen.
- The selling of any secondhand catalytic converters may be prohibited on online markets. Remember that there are only two situations in which you would buy a secondhand converter. One explanation is that you want to sell it for recycling. Another argument is that doing so would be against federal law. You want to sell it for reuse.
- Catalytic converter buyers should refrain from paying with cash unless they have a thorough description of the product and a copy of the vendor’s official picture ID. Without using this receipt technique, cash transactions cannot be tracked. Selling stolen catalytic converters for money makes someone more inclined to go on stealing.
What can you do to prevent catalytic converter theft from happening to your car? Observe these three steps:
- Your car should be parked in a garage or well-lit space.
- To conceal your converter, have your technician weld a plate over it.
Key Learnings:
The precious metals found within the catalytic converter give it its worth.
Platinum, Palladium, and Rhodium are examples of these valuable metals, and as their values grow, you can expect catalytic converter theft to follow suit.
States like Texas and California should be very cautious and protective of its converters.
The catalytic converter is the most often stolen converter, thus Toyota Priuse owners should look into all the solutions listed to secure it.
Your catalytic converter: Is it secure?
