FAQs REGARDING THE RAMPANT THEFT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

According to the NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau) and other data analysts over 14,400 catalytic converters were reported stolen in 2020.  In the first 5 months of 2021, 26,000 were reported stolen in the US, approximately 5200 a month. This will amount to a 400% increase as 2021 ends. 

California ranks as the No. 1 state for catalytic converter thefts, often called “Cat” thefts.    Sacramento County reports that the thefts are up 1500% over the last 3.5 years.  Muffler shops are said to replace 15-20 per day.                                                                                                                                                             

Here is some information about this very opportunistic crime.

What is a catalytic converter?

The simple answer is that it is an external device which is attached to the exhaust system of vehicles to detox certain emissions.  It is a little larger than a toaster and can easily be carried off once disconnected.  Vehicles with a motor and built since 1980 have a catalytic converter.

Why are they being stolen?

The converters contain various amounts of precious metals that act as catalysts in the process of oxidation.  The most common are platinum, rhodium and palladium (both members of the platinum family).  As the value of these metals have soared recently, so too do the number of thefts.  The converters are not identifiable when originally installed thus not traceable.  This is likely one of the most expensive components of your car.

[As I write this platinum is $30 PER GRAM; Rhodium is $379 PER GRAM and palladium is $63.50 PER GRAM.  Compare that to clean copper scrap, the thieving rage a few years ago, currently at about $2.50 PER POUND]

If you have replaced your converter previously, the aftermarket converters are not as desirable since they do not contain as much of the precious metals.

Experts opine that everything about the pandemic has caused an incredible uptick in this particular theft:  public safety resource reductions, unemployment, disruptions of supply chains.

How easy are they to remove, steal?

Very easy and quick. An adept, experienced converter thief can do it in 1-3 minutes.  Some converters require just a few bolts to be removed, more often catalytic converters are quickly cut off on both connecting pipes with a battery-operated saw.  The fastest theft reported by SSD was just over 40 seconds.

Are there certain cars targeted more than others? 

Yes, and many are parked outside in our neighborhood.   Local mechanics and muffler shop staff can easily provide a list of the most targeted vehicles in any area. 

The Toyota Prius is undoubtedly the vehicle most prone to cat theft because it often contains two converters.  The converters taken off these hybrid cars tend to bear less corrosion, making them more desirable since they retain more of the valuable metals.

Toyota Tacomas, 4Runners, Sequoias and Tundras (2000 to 2014) are also targeted as they sit high off the ground allowing easier access.

Lexus SUVs, and Honda Accords, Hyundai Elantras and Honda Elements are high on the list as well. 

Some Ford trucks (F250) and Jeep Cherokees are common for converter theft.

Diesel Dodge trucks from 2007 – 2014 have also been vulnerable and desirable recently. Only 4 bolts hold down the most valuable catalytic converter of all.  Thieves fetch up to $500.00 for each one.   The replacement cost can be as high as $5,000.

How will I know if my catalytic converter has been stolen?

You will know immediately when you start your car.  It will sound as if it has no muffler, like a very loud, noisy motorcycle.  It will not damage your car to drive immediately to a muffler shop for replacement of the converter, but it will make a lot of noise.  You need not tow your vehicle in. 

How much do the thieves obtain for a stolen catalytic converter and who do they sell them to?

Investigations in Sacramento reflect that the stolen converters are sold to illegal, unlicensed recyclers.  Thieves receive about $150-200 apiece for the converters.  Infrequently a thief can get 1k from a single converter depending on its condition and the type of vehicle it was stolen from.  Certain Dodge diesel converters are routinely sold for $500 by thieves.  Sacramento County reports that most stolen converters change hands 2-3 times before they are illegally “smelted” down, i.e., broken down and melted for their metals.  Most stolen converters do not reach the legal scrap, junk or metal recyclers that are licensed.

After it is stolen, how much can a vehicle owner expect to spend to replace one?

That really depends on the vehicle and damage done.  The average is about $2000 – 2500 for replacement but the cost can climb to 5k depending on the model of car or damage.

Does insurance usually cover the cost to replace a converter?

Not always but it can.  Almost always liability insurance coverage will not cover the loss.  Comprehensive insurance coverage generally will.  Nothing covers the inconvenience and time to report and wait for the repairs. Supply chain disruptions have caused targeted vehicles to sit for weeks per the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department.   And there is usually $250/500 deductible even if you have comprehensive coverage for the replacement.  Reporting to local law enforcement is mandatory for any insurance recovery. 

While Renters insurance can cover a loss if something in your car is stolen, it generally does not cover the theft of parts of the car itself. 

What can I do if I have a targeted vehicle?

Park in your garage.

If parked outside, always lock and set your alarm.

Install an anti-theft device on your auto.

Install anti-theft shield, clamps or an alarm over your converter (see below).

Install motion lights around the area.

Install a camera with alerts aimed at your common parking location.

Park under a streetlamp or in a well-lit area.

If possible, park as close to a wall as possible with the exhaust pipe closest to it, to hamper access.

If you have more than one car, try to park the lower ground car outside rather than the higher ground vehicle.

Educate yourself, family, friends and neighbors on the crime and how these thieves think.

Most thefts are committed while your vehicle is parked on a driveway or on the street.  We recently had a theft from a driveway at 12 noon, in our neighborhood.

Vehicles parked in large open parking lots (malls, shopping centers, big hardware stores) are also vulnerable.  There is often a look-out in the few minutes it takes to pull off the theft.

Vehicles in large remote lots (boat launch areas, airport lots, Carpool/Ride lots) are also frequently chosen.  Airport safe parking sites can be booked on Way.com.

Every day and night used car dealerships along Fulton Ave. are victimized.  Farms and truck owners in rural areas are also reporting the crime.

Is there anything I can do to the converter itself?  YES

1. Shields:  Anti-theft shields are popular devices that are reported to work.  They are installed on top of the converter and can be found on Amazon for $90 – $299 and are made specifically for various Toyota vehicles and others.  Several are made by Cat Security or LOSTAR.

• Clamps/cages:  Cat clamps are marketed to lock the converter to the chassis making it take longer and 7 times more work for the thief to steal the converter.  Once installed these open cages surround the converter.  Go to CatClamp.com.  They run about $300-900 depending on the vehicle/truck size and thickness of the cable you purchase.          (A thief in Sacramento County recently resorted to welding off one of these cages while attempting to steal a converter and was caught in the act.  It was taking him longer than his usual schtick 😊) 

• Muffler shops often sell catalytic converter alarms.  They are the most inexpensive anti-theft device starting at about $25 with good reviews.  See FastGuardAlarms.com.

• Mechanics can paint and etch your VIN or license plate number on to the converter.  The number is then added to a law enforcement data base in case it is stolen and recovered.  Several jurisdictions are offering a free etching and offer a sticker for your car window alerting the thief that your converter is painted/etched.  The “Etch and Catch” programs are catching on and seem effective.  The theory is that the etching both deters the theft as well as the purchase by scrap dealers.  The stickers are normally placed on the lower portion of rear window on the driver’s side.  They declare that your converter has been etched by local law enforcement.                                           

Check with the Sacramento Police Department, Sacramento Sheriff’s Department and Elk Grove PD for their next free Etch and Catch event.  SPD offers theirs at 6101 Folsom Blvd. and Elk Grove offers theirs with the Jiffy Lube located 9611 Auto Center Drive in EG.  The events are free, are offered every few months and you need not be a city resident.  Folsom and Rocklin PD also offer the service.

• Some car owners have elected to weld extra metal (rebar) onto their catalytic converter.  This involves welding extra rods making removal of the converter more difficult.  The cost of the welding by muffler shops will be less than an average deductible, should you suffer a theft.    This might be cheaper than the anti-theft devices listed above.  Rebar welding is often recommended for the Dodge diesel trucks.

• If you need replacement after a theft, attempt to have an aftermarket converter installed that is far less valuable to thieves because it contains far less metals and they know it.

What should I look for in my neighborhood to assist my neighbors regarding this theft?

Look for suspicious people around your neighborhood.  If you see a suspicious person under a car, get the license plate no. and description of their waiting car, if you can safely.  If the crime is in progress, call 911. 

What legislation is occurring to reduce this type of theft?

While several states, (Washington, Wisconsin, Ohio) have moved legislation to ban the resale of catalytic converters without proof of ownership, SB 366 (Umberg: D-Santa Ana) is the most recent bill signed by Gov. Newsome 3 months ago.   It places restrictions on “illegal auto dismantlers” and extends a DMV task force dedicated to Catalytic Converter theft.   The Sacramento Sheriff’s Department is advocating a ban like that introduced in other states, but this is still only being discussed and not yet introduced before the California legislature.  While most law makers acknowledge that the crime is at explosive levels in our state, they continue to advocate that auto manufacturers alter the design around the converters, so as to protect the consumer from such thefts.   They also believe each county should address the issue individually since the thefts vary from county-to-county.