Are You A Victim of Catalytic Converter Theft?

Catalytic converter theft has risen sharply since the pandemic and is costing fleets big bucks!

The typical cost to replace a catalytic converter is between $2,000 and  $4,000.  The cost of the unit itself can be pricy, especially for hybrids and high-end vehicles, and the labor to reinstall isn’t cheap, either.

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?

Catalytic converters contain valuable precious metals, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, and thieves can fetch $500 selling one to a scrap recycler.  As prices of precious metals go up, so does the incentive to steal items that contain this material.  Jewelry is the usual target, but people don’t usually leave their good jewelry lying around on their driveway at night.  Catalytic converters, however, can be easy picking.  An experienced thief can remove one from under a vehicle in a about a minute, using only a wrench and a reciprocating saw.

WHAT INCREASES MY RISK?

There are certain vehicle types and situations that put you at greater risk for catalytic converter theft.  This includes:

• Hybrid Vehicles: Their engines run cleaner and the precious metals in the converters are more intact.
• Ungaraged Vehicles: Vehicles that are easily accessed are a bigger target for thieves.
• Vehicles with High Ground Clearance: Thieves don’t need a jack to get under these vehicles.
• Vehicles Parked Closely Together: Theives can move from vehicle to vehicle undetected.
• Vehicles in Poorly Lit Areas: The cover of darkness is an ideal environmet for theft.

HOW CAN WE PREVENT IT?

• Install a catalytic converter cover/cage or guard plate as a deterrent
• Use a punch to stamp the VIN on the converter housing
• Park in an enclosed garage when possible
• Park in an area that is well lit and monitored
• Park high ride vehicles next to low ride vehicles
• Contact info@ceinetwork.com for further assistance