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Sep 14, 2023

Free catalytic converter etchings in Phoenix could help prevent thefts

With thefts of catalytic converters rising at a rapid pace, the Phoenix Police

With thefts of catalytic converters rising at a rapid pace, the Phoenix Police Department is teaming up with a local auto dealership to offer one day of free etching of the devices in hopes of deterring, or at least identifying the crimes.

Etching involves marking a catalytic converter with a serial number, connecting that to the VIN (vehicle identification number), and registering the information in a national database. That can enable police to return the device if it is stolen and recovered.

Motorists who want to add this safeguard can do so at no cost on Wednesday, Jan. 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Courtesy Chevrolet, 1233 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix. Those interested should make appointments by Jan. 24 through courtesychev.com. Appointments are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with some capacity limits.

Thieves equipped with power tools can cut out and steal a converter quickly. Recyclers pay $50 to $250 for converters, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The devices contain the valuable minerals rhodium, palladium and platinum. While platinum has the allure of precious metals, rhodium prices are much higher, averaging around $12,000 per ounce, followed by around $1,600 for palladium and $1,000 or so for platinum.

"It's such a quick theft, often taking under a minute," said Sgt. Brian Bower of the Phoenix Police Department. "These thefts happen at night or in broad daylight."

Prevention:Catalytic converters are still getting stolen. Here's what you need to know

Phoenix police reported 1,563 converter thefts from May through December 2022. Across the U.S., the National Insurance Crime Bureau noted more than 52,000 thefts in 2021, triple the level of 2020 and up by more than 1,000% since 2019. Those figures don't include some nonreported thefts.

Thieves can target almost any vehicle, Bower said, except for those with such a low clearance that they can't reach the converter. Safeguards include parking in a garage, parking in well-lit areas and installing an anti-theft guard device. It's also wise to check your auto insurance policy to review coverage.

Motorists attending the free event on Jan. 25 will have their converters chemically etched with a serial number using SafeCat's anti-theft system. Depending on the response, consumers can be done in as little as 20 minutes.

Converters are expensive to replace, with costs ranging from around $1,500 to $5,000, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Also, motorists face a wait until repairs are completed. School buses, commercial vans and other nonpersonal vehicles also are targeted, which can disrupt operations.

"If we find these, we can at least identify who they belong to," Bower said of registered catalytic converters.

While it's not illegal to sell auto parts to recyclers in general, offering stolen parts is another matter, and police might have an easier time identifying crooks if they try to sell a converter with the etching, he added.

Standard auto insurance policies may cover the theft of converters, often depending on the policy's deductible.

Bower said the Phoenix Police Department is open to hosting similar future events at Courtesy Chevrolet and other dealerships, depending on public response.

Reach the reporter at [email protected].