What Cars are Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft

There is a risk of theft anywhere there is something of worth. While car theft is an issue, some criminals target specific car parts, such as catalytic converters. Catalytic converters aid in pollution reduction by converting hazardous exhaust into something less damaging. According to the Rockford Register Star, catalytic converter theft increased by about 293 percent in a year, from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. We'll show you how to prevent catalytic converter theft and what you can do to protect yourself in light of the recent increase in theft.

What is a catalytic converter?

Your catalytic converter converts pollutants in your car's exhaust into less dangerous gases, but it's also a target for thieves.

Why people steal catalytic converters

If you're wondering why people steal catalytic converters, it's all about money and convenience. During the epidemic, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has seen a significant increase in catalytic converter theft. It shows how supply and demand, as well as restricted resources, play a role.

In a statement, the NICB President and CEO said:

"We've seen an increase in vehicle thefts, carjackings, and break-ins for several months, and now catalytic converter thefts are on the rise as well," said David Glawe, President, and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau. "During the pandemic, we've noticed a considerable increase." It's a case of opportunism. The number of thefts of catalytic converters is increasing as the value of the precious metals contained within these devices rises. There is a definite link between times of crisis, limited resources, and supply chain instability, all of which push investors to precious metals."

So, we see that stealing a catalytic converter is a pretty straightforward task requiring only a brazen disdain for the law and other people's property, a jack, an angle grinder, and a few seconds of your time.

The majority of catalytic converters on current cars are positioned beneath the vehicle, near the exhaust, making them conveniently accessible to thieves. In a matter of minutes, you can lift the back of a car and cut out the entire unit.

What is a catalytic converter worth?

Catalytic converters' value, or how much they're worth, makes them a tempting target for thieves. The value of catalytic converters varies depending on the type of vehicle and its age.

The price of precious metals used in catalytic converters has risen. "The values of these precious metals have climbed dramatically in recent years," according to NICB. Rhodium was valued at $14,500 per ounce in December 2020, palladium at $2,336 per ounce, and platinum at $1,061 per ounce. Catalytic converters are usually worth $50 to $250 to recyclers."

Catalytic converter scrap prices at Rockaway Recycling range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars, with foreign automotive catalytic converters fetching up to $543.

You'll have to replace your catalytic converter if it's stolen. Most catalytic converters cost between $800 and $1,200, according to J.D. Power. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, car repairs can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000, thus this problem can be rather costly. According to a 2015 post on AutoServiceCosts.com, catalytic converters used to cost roughly $350 and higher (not including labor) before the pandemic.

Due to a shortage and increased demand, the value of the metal used in catalytic converters is skyrocketing, making the part more expensive and theft more widespread.

Toyota has raised its head above the parapet, although few manufacturers have acknowledged the problem of catalytic converter theft. "The business said in a recent statement: " "We're doing everything we can. We've shared police advice with customers, and we've developed and decreased the cost of a 'Catloc' device that can dissuade and complicate theft. Toyota teams in the United Kingdom and other countries are frantically looking for new technological solutions to discourage crooks."

Toyota is collaborating with law enforcement and talking to the government about changing the law on scrap metal sales to make it more difficult for criminals to sell stolen catalysts for cash.

How to prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen

It can be aggravating and costly to have your catalytic converter stolen. It may be covered under your policy if you have comprehensive coverage. If you simply have liability insurance, you'll most likely have to pay for the expense out of cash.

Take the following steps to understand how to prevent catalytic converter theft:

-       Thieves must slide under the car and use cutting tools to separate the box from the pipes surrounding it to steal the parts. This means that where you park your car is important. Parking near walls or fences can help, but keep in mind that you don't want to block pedestrian access, particularly for wheelchair users.

-       Some garages will carve a unique serial number into your catalytic converter so that it may be easily identified if it is stolen. You'll also receive a window sticker indicating that your catalytic converter has been marked, which will deter criminals from targeting your vehicle.

-       Installing surveillance cameras (CCTV, Ring Doorbell, etc.) appears to be a no-brainer, and it is. Unfortunately, if you do not park in your driveway, this will be far more difficult to accomplish. There are other choices for keeping an eye on your car while it's parked, such as wildlife trail cameras, but if you can't park off-street, it's preferable to park in areas where CCTV filming is likely anyhow, such as well-lit, well-traveled streets. It's never been easier to keep a watch on your car, with the cost of CCTV systems decreasing and installation becoming a simple job (requiring no specialized services). It's worth thinking about for overall peace of mind, not only for catalytic converter theft.

-       Devices that lock in around the converter can be purchased to make it more difficult to remove. Toyota has developed its device, known as a Catloc. The Catloc has over 45 unique fitments, so it should work with a wide range of models. The Catloc is priced between £200 and £250 (depending on the model) and includes VAT and installation by a Toyota dealer. While this isn't a cheap solution, replacing a catalytic converter, including installation, can cost well over £1000. Hybrid vehicles (such as the Toyota Prius), which contain a larger amount of precious metals, are especially vulnerable. The Catloc does not ensure theft avoidance, but it does make it more difficult to remove the cat converter.

-       If your catalytic converter is fastened on, you can request that the bolts be welded to make removal more difficult.

-       If you don't have a car alarm and live in a location where cat converter thefts are on the rise (such as huge cities like London), it's time to get one. The sound of the alarm should deter any would-be burglars.

-       This alternative isn't for everyone, but if you have access to a garage, it makes sense to park your car there, especially if you live or work in an area where catalytic converter theft is widespread. If you don't have access to a garage, try parking beside other vehicles or in authorized parking locations, such as car parks, multi-story buildings, and so on.

Taking these precautions can help you avoid having your catalytic converter stolen. Keep your car in a garage or near populous and well-lit locations whenever possible.

What is being done to prevent the theft of catalytic converters?

You might ask if anything is being done about the recent increase in catalytic converter theft. Some states are attempting to take control of the situation.

"In Ohio, lawmakers sponsored a bill to prohibit the selling of catalytic converters without evidence of ownership," according to a Washington Post report. In Arizona, a city started "Operation Heavy Metal," an undercover operation to battle the thefts, which had increased from two cases in 2018 to over 400 as of September."

According to the report, police departments are collaborating with communities to address the problem, with Takoma Park creating an anti-theft catalytic converter program called "Etch & Catch." The idea is to etch the license plate number onto the converter so that it can be tracked down if it is stolen.

Additionally, legislation has been enacted to try to limit the sale of metal scraps. All 50 states have established regulations aimed at preventing metal thefts, according to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc.

Which vehicles' catalytic converters are most likely to be stolen?

While many thieves target specific vehicles, catalytic converter thefts are generally crimes of opportunity. Here's a list of vehicles that are more likely to have their catalytic converters stolen.

Luxury Vehicles: The Ferrari F430 wins the Most Valuable Catalytic Converter Award, with each converter costing $3,770. Because the F430 has two converters, it's a tempting target for thieves.

Catalytic converters for Lamborghinis are likewise quite expensive, averaging over $3,000.

Hybrid Automobiles: The more environmentally friendly a car is, the more valuable its catalytic converter is. These vehicles necessitate a larger concentration of the valuable metal palladium, hence increasing their overall worth.

Vintage Vehicles: Catalytic converters on larger, older automobiles are worth more than newer, more efficient vehicles because they concentrate valuable metals and general lack of environmental friendliness.

Trucks and SUVs: For two reasons, larger trucks and SUVs are more frequently targeted. Their larger engine, for starters, means a more valuable catalytic converter. The catalytic converter on a Dodge Ram 2500, for example, is worth over $2,000, almost as much as a Ferrari.

Second, their elevated position makes it easier for thieves to gain access to their converters.

Other variants with high-quality catalytic converters are available.

Of course, there are cars that aren't designed for a specific category but, for whatever reason, have more valuable catalytic converters.

Ford F-250   - Ford Mustang   - Honda Accord

Honda CRV   - Honda Element   - Honda Jazz

Lexus RX & all   - Lexus SUVs   - Toyota 4Runner

Toyota Auris   - Toyota Tacoma   - Toyota Tundra

Which vehicles have the lowest risk of having their catalytic converter stolen?

The make, year, and kind of engine of a vehicle can all influence the value of a catalytic converter.

Year: Cars produced prior to 1974 were not equipped with converters, hence antique and vintage models are exempt.

Diesel vehicles: Because diesel converters contain nearly no precious metals, their worth to thieves is minimal.

Electric Vehicles: they do not require catalytic converters because they do not run on gasoline. All-electric vehicles, such as the ones listed below, are immune to converter thieves:

Audi E-Tron   - BMW i3   - Chevrolet Bolt EV

Fiat 500E   - Honda Clarity Electric   - Hyundai Ioniq EV

Hyundai Kona EV   - Hyundai NEXO   - Jaguar I-Pace

Kia Soul EV   - Nissan Leaf   - Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model S   - Tesla Model X   - Volkswagen e-Golf

Less Valuable Catalytic Converters

Chevrolet   - Chrysler   - Dodge

GMC   - Hyundai   - Jeep

Mazda   - Nissan    - Subaru

Cars lower to the ground are also less likely targets for theft.