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Sep 08, 2023

Why Thieves Are Stealing Catalytic Converters and How to Protect Your Car

There are precious parts under your car that thieves love to target. Catalytic

There are precious parts under your car that thieves love to target.

Catalytic converter theft is on the rise worldwide. But why are thieves targeting them?

By understanding why catalytic converters (cats) are stolen, which vehicles are commonly targeted, and what preventive measures you can take, you will help avoid losing your cat and keep your vehicle safe.

Of all the expensive parts on vehicles, why are catalytic converters a target?

Wielding only a portable saw, a skilled team of thieves can remove a catalytic converter in 2 to 3 minutes. Many times it doesn't even require jacking up the vehicle. The automotive surgeon who removes the converter, known as the "cutter," is someone thin enough to slide under the car.

Converters are made of precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals act as catalysts that turn exhaust gases into CO2, water, and nitrogen.

Certain catalytic converters are worth thousands of dollars, though an average scrap value of $100-$500 is more typical. Thieves tend to target as many vehicles as they can in one session, meaning if they steal 30 converters at an average scrap value of $300 each, they've had a lucrative night.

The more precious metals in a converter, the higher the scrap value it commands, and the more likely it will be stolen. For example, though prices fluctuate based on the market value of precious metals—a Prius converter can command close to $1,000 at the scrapyard.

According to State Farm, between July 2021 and June 2022, catalytic converter theft rose 109% in the US. Claims from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, totaled 20,600 converters, while the next twelve months rose to 43,219.

While EVs don't have catalytic converters, all ICEs do.

Per Carfax, the ten most targeted vehicles vary by region in the US, but nationwide thieves love these models:

You will know you've lost your catalytic converter when you start your engine. Right away. Everyone around you may know, too—it's that loud in certain models.

If your vehicle roars like a lion as soon as you start it, there's a good chance it's operating sans the catalytic converter.

If you press the gas pedal, this roar will turn into a ferocious primal exhaust reverberation. However, it won't have the same feel as a roaring V8 engine—in fact, your vehicle is more likely to sputter and feel underpowered.

Generally, your policy will cover your catalytic converter against theft if you have comprehensive insurance. This may vary by region and provider, so you'll want to read your policy to make sure.

It depends on where you live, especially in the US. California was the first state to shift away from federal standards and require converters that meet the more stringent California Air Resource Board (CARB) standards.

So, if you reside in California, Colorado, Maine, or New York (the NY state depends on the model year), you'll need a CARB-compliant replacement. Otherwise, you may be able to use what is known as a universal converter.

The price difference is stark:

CARB-compliant cats could set you back over $4,000, while universal cats only cost a bit over $200.

In addition to the part itself, you'll need to consider labor charges. On average, it takes an hour or two to replace the catalytic converter. And after the service, you may notice a strange metallic odor.

If you don't have off-street parking and can't take safety precautions, such as installing lights or motion sensors around where you park, you can take steps to safeguard your catalytic converter.

Many police departments run "Etch and Catch" programs in which they will inscribe your license plate number into your catalytic converter. Some programs involve spray-painting the converter a bright color. While better than nothing, it will probably only deter a new and inexperienced thief.

Seasoned crooks deal with scrapyards or muffler shops. They all have an unspoken understanding: the hundreds of catalytic converters that are trading hands were obtained via unscrupulous means.

While regulations are starting to be enacted requiring proof of ownership, these legislative efforts are still nascent.

Early vibration-activated car alarms were more trouble than they were worth. Because a passing cat could set one off in the wee hours of the morning, the only thing they accomplished was irritating your neighbors.

However, today's alarm technology is more sophisticated. You can put an anti-theft device on your catalytic converter, such as the WSDCAM Catalytic Converter Alarm, which boasts a 113-decibel blast. About as loud as a rock concert, this unexpected blast might be enough to send a would-be thief running away, covering their ears.

Another alternative is to purchase an anti-theft device such as CatClamp. These contraptions encase your converter in aircraft-grade wire ropes that aren't easily cut.

While some of these devices can cost upwards of a thousand dollars after installation, frustrated entrepreneurs are inventing lower-cost alternatives.

According to CBS News, a Greater Boston Area man obtained a provisional patent for a cage apparatus he welded onto a friend's Prius after her converter was stolen. This might seem extreme and could cost you a few hundred dollars, but if you have a high-value converter, it could well be worth it. After all, if you've experienced multiple thefts, your insurer may raise your insurance premiums.

However, you should always check out reviews of catalytic converter anti-theft devices and ensure they work before spending your hard-earned money on them.

Some states have enacted bills that require scrapyards to collect personal information, photos, and identification for any metal they purchase. Ultimately, because these businesses rely on local licensure, measures like this are the best way to stop catalytic converter theft.

Catalytic converter thieves tend to work geographically. They often target areas with a concentration of car dealerships or dense residential neighborhoods, where they can harvest as many catalytic converters as possible in one night. Though some thieves belong to sophisticated rings, most are small operations. If it's happening a couple of streets away, you may be next.

Though we see headlines about law enforcement busting rings of catalytic converter thieves, this crime is likely to continue. It's literally low-hanging fruit for automotive criminals with ties to unscrupulous scrapyards.

Making sure you have adequate insurance and reaching out to your legislators are two easy steps to take. As more affordable anti-theft devices become available and EVs gain market share, catalytic converter thieves will have to turn their energies elsewhere.

Suzanne is an entrepreneur and automotive business analyst who loves helping people learn about new tech–almost as much as she loves her five cats.