It helps reduce vehicle pollution. Mia Bevacqua, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician, United States’ unemployment rate was 6.7%. Last year, there were almost 13,000 recorded thefts of the devices, with Londoners particularly badly hit. However, if you have any hybrid car you should take measures to protect it as thieves will target any car they can make money from. A screengrab from a YouTube video shows the apparent theft of a catalytic converter in east London. Police have warned catalytic converter thieves are on the prowl again - and they're targeting Toyotas and Hondas. In Wichita, Kansas, thieves stole "more than 500" catalytic converters in 2020 as compared to "fewer than 200" in 2019, according to KAKE ABC. In Toyota’s case it is second and third-generation Prius models (2004-2009 and 2009-2016 respectively) and second-generation Auris Hybrids (2012-2018) which have been particular targets for thieves. Together, these elements act as a catalyst—a chemical that starts a reaction without undergoing any change itself. Toyota Prius. Honda told us: "Versions of Honda cars from 2008 onwards have been designed to house the catalytic converter where it cannot be reached by thieves with later versions having the catalytic converter bolted direct to the engine inside the engine bay. I went on Nextdoor and found someone up the street had been hit as well that same night.”. Thefts of catalytic converters from cars in England and Wales rose sixfold in 2019. But criminals go after the converters on some vehicles more than others. Usually done late at night when it is hard for cameras to catch details, thieves can hack a cat from under a car in under two minutes. Within a couple of days, mine was stolen, as well (I didn’t get the $350 protective cover from a muffler repair shop in time). What Cars are Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft the Most? Catalytic converters aren’t cheap—it can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 to have a shop replace the catalytic converter on a Toyota Prius. How to prevent catalytic converter theft. Any car fitted with a catalytic converter could be at risk. The problem of catalytic converter theft is not new, with the AA noting that it has been an issue for more than a decade. The cars being targeted by catalytic converter thieves: Hybrid versions of Honda Jazz, Lexus RX and Toyota's Auris and Prius most at risk, warns insurer Insurer says catalytic converter … Does the thought of catalytic converter theft keep you up at night? A small number of travelling gangs are behind a huge surge in the lucrative theft of catalytic converters from cars, gardaí have said. The cold in Manchester, New Hampshire, hasn't hampered thieves, either, with 22 thefts since November. Although no vehicle is safe from catalytic converter theft, some are targeted more than others. The problem of catalytic converter theft is not new, with the AA noting that it has been an issue for more than a decade. Honda told us: "Versions of Honda cars from 2008 onwards have been designed to house the catalytic converter where it cannot be reached by thieves with later versions having the catalytic converter bolted direct to the engine inside the engine bay. The theft of catalytic converters continues to rise in north Georgia as Catoosa County detectives are investigating the most recent incident in Rossville, police say. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Muffler Tech now carries the latest in catalytic converter protection and asks that fleet owners or individuals with these Nissan NV200 vehicles take a stand against theft and get protected now. A catalytic converter is located in a box on the exhaust pipe under a car. CarParts.com has an extensive selection of replacement catalytic converters built to meet the most stringent emissions standards. Thefts of catalytic converters from the underside of cars in 2019 rose to 13,000 reported cases in England and Wales - up from 2,000 the year previous, according to a new investigation. Last week the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) circulated a notice saying over the past few weeks Santa Monica and other surrounding communities are experiencing a spike in catalytic converter theft. In other words: Having your car’s catalytic converter stolen can be a significant financial burden. “We’ve had issues with theft before, not necessarily targeting catalytic converters,” Burns said. Park close to building entrances or the nearest road in public parking lots. Replacing a catalytic converter can run around $500 with insurance, $1,500 to $3,000 without insurance. The most popular cars for cat theft are older petrol-electric hybrid models. Best of all, our converters cost far less than those from a retail store or dealership (note: shipping to CA, CO, NY, and ME is unavailable). What Happens When the Starter Solenoid Goes Bad? Since it's a critical emissions component, the EPA forbids the sale and installation of any used catalytic converter that hasn't been refurbished and certified by an approved manufacturer. Palladium spot prices are currently more than $2300 (gold is about $1900), a 20 percent increase since January, according to Oklahoma metal dealer APMEX. Photograph: YouTube Crime wave targeting models such as the Toyota Prius and Auris is a … The answer to why crooks steal catalytic converters is simple—cats are worth a lot of money. Add at least an hour of labor, and you're looking at a big bill—or risk your car being undrivable and awfully smelly. Each device can be traded into a scrap metal recycler for as much as $500. Thieves are stealing catalytic converters out of cars for their precious metals 3,986 thefts in 2015, with California Priuses taking the biggest hit. Start with total boredom and staggering unemployment, mix in tempting metal prices, and top off with slack law enforcement. It comes as no surprise that catalytic converter thieves often target trucks and SUVs. What’s Inside a Catalytic Converter That Thieves Want? She asks why her car has been targeted for this type of theft Best Car Insurance Companies. How To Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft: Since converter thieves tend to target cars at ideal locations, most prevention methods surround parking practices. An enclosed parking place is an effective defense against cat theft. Used cats must also match the specific car's original equipment and can only be installed if the vehicle is past a certain age, if a state inspection requires replacement, or if a car is brought into a repair shop without a converter. As such, other hybrid models are also common targets of catalytic converter theft. Copyright ©2021 CarParts.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. It is believed that this is driven by the value of the metals inside. Here are a few other ways you can prevent catalytic converter theft: Security camera. "As a result, the data obtained by insurers tends to be underreported.". Here’s how to prevent a catalytic converter theft from happening in the first place. Criminals are well-aware that the Toyota Prius is more likely to have a converter that’s still in good condition. The video is 1:07 long, the actual theft about 30 seconds! In December of 2020, the United States’ unemployment rate was 6.7%⁠—nearly double the pre-pandemic rate (3.5%) from February of the same year. At the time of this writing, Rhodium is worth over $19,000 per ounce, whereas gold is worth a little less than $1,900 per ounce. Toyota Auris. It costs you up to $2000 to replace a catalytic converter, and it is illegal to drive your car without one. SUVs and trucks are particularly at risk, with late-model Toyotas and some Nissans being favorite targets. Of course, you’ll want to keep in mind that the cost of the coverage and the deductible could add up to be more than that of a replacement cat. Of course, thieves don’t care how a catalytic converter works; they just know the precious metals inside are worth a lot of money. The motor insurer Admiral reports a recent increase in catalytic converter thefts with thieves looking for good quality parts from Japanese models such as the Honda Jazz, Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris and Lexus RX of all generations and ages. Criminals are well-aware that the Toyota Prius is more likely to have a converter that’s still in good condition. The cars being targeted by catalytic converter thieves: Hybrid versions of Honda Jazz, Lexus RX and Toyota's Auris and Prius most at risk, warns insurer. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Police departments have been reporting a general swell of catalytic converter thefts—which require but a few minutes and pipe cutter—that typically hit repair shops and businesses with ungaraged fleets. What Happens When Rack and Pinion Goes Out? The Hottest Cars on America's Toughest Track, Tested: Chevy, Ford, and Ram HD Pickup Pull-Off, The 20 Quickest Cars in Lightning Lap History, The 2021 Honda Ridgeline: Rugged and Ready, Ford Super Duty Is Quickest Diesel Truck to 60 MPH, If You're a Fan of Breathing, Thank These Parts. Warrington - the 14th-worst area overall - saw a huge increase in catalytic converter thefts between 2018/19, when it had just one reported case, and 2019/20, when there were 28 incidents. Officers in Tameside say there's been an increase in thefts … Protecting your car from catalytic converter theft. Then you may want to consider taking a few preventative measures, such as: Parking in well-lit areas or the garage when possible. The Elk Grove, CA, Police Department recommends that you do the following: It’s also worth noting that you should park your car in the garage whenever possible. Doing so will make it difficult to access the cat on the taller vehicle. While platinum prices have remained fairly stable, there has been a sharp increase in the value of palladium. One hint: Two of the three rare earth metals used in catalytic converters are worth more per ounce than gold. Police forces around the UK, including those in West Yorkshire, London and Nottinghamshire, are advising owners of any car fitted with a catalytic converter to take precautions.. Any car fitted with a catalytic converter could be at risk. “They must have had a cordless saw and they were probably gone in two minutes,” Day said. Recently the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) circulated a notice saying over the past few weeks Santa Monica and other surrounding communities are experiencing a spike in catalytic converter theft. The theft of catalytic converters from cars isn’t a new crime, but it has increased significantly in recent times. "Titanium, platinum, copper are some of the things that go into them," said Poutous. targeted vehicles that transport senior citizens. A thief can steal a catalytic converter in less time than it takes to grab a cup of coffee. Manufacturers have admitted the rise in thefts has caused a parts supply issue, with many drivers now having to wait for spare catalytic converters … His catalytic converter was cut right out of the exhaust. You may also want to check local news outlets and (if you have one) a neighborhood watch app. Thefts of catalytic converter have become so popular in recent months because of their value and how easy they are to steal plus their lack of identification. "This type of theft was popular a few years ago but dwindled," said Aftanas. It's a quick way to steal and make a few dollars. All catalytic converters contain valuable, precious metals that thieves want to get their hands on. ). Owners of older vehicles tend to decline coverage for comprehensive damage, which would cover such a theft, because those insurance policies may be more expensive than their cars. Two of the three rare earth metals used in catalytic converters are worth more per ounce than gold. The most popular cars for cat theft are older petrol-electric hybrid models. The Top 3 Signs of a Bad Driveshaft: Is it Time to Get a Replacement? Cats are valuable because they contain precious metals, as we’ll discuss below. Police in South Bend, Indiana, have reported 26 thefts since November. On a repair lot in Milwaukee, one shop owner with repeat thefts over the past few months has resorted to deflating tires to make it tougher for the thief to crawl underneath his vehicles. Once a … Some cars, like the Toyota Prius Hybrid, also have their catalytic converters here. Catalytic converters contain precious metals. Megan Geuss - Sep 13, 2016 12:42 pm UTC So, before you rush out and buy a cat protection device, check with friends and family to see whether they’ve heard about cat theft being a problem in your area. Engraving your car's VIM number into the catalytic converter (just don't do it while the cat is hot! ", "While these thefts occur frequently, it is difficult to track these thefts accurately," Tully Lehman, NICB public affairs manager, told Car and Driver. In Lynchburg, Virginia, police reported 31 thefts since September. Officers in Tameside say there's been an increase in … Admiral report that these cars are the most susceptible to catalytic converter theft: Honda Jazz. Here are 6 tips to prevent catalytic converter theft. Does the thought of catalytic converter theft keep you up at night? It’s apparently super easy to steal a Catalytic Converter. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Rhodium, which started the year around $6000, has spiked past $16,000. And because the exhaust is exposed beneath most cars, they’re often easy pickings for thieves. The minivan owner will have to rely on insurance to replace the damaged converter, or shell out a lot of money. Warrington - the 14th-worst area overall - saw a huge increase in catalytic converter thefts between 2018/19, when it had just one reported case, and 2019/20, when there were 28 incidents. Lexus RX. How To Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft: Since converter thieves tend to target cars at ideal locations, most prevention methods surround parking practices. Although nowhere near the price levels of a decade ago, it crested $1000 in December, as it did in January 2020, when the metal hit a two-year high. Platinum, after dipping during the March and April pandemic shutdowns, has been more stable. Most of these products are designed to cover and protect the converter, making it more difficult for thieves to access. This has given manufacturers time to develop ways of keeping cats safe. The model you have has the catalytic converter in the engine bay rather than underneath the car – where it is much more secure. Chevrolet Faces Oversupply of Equinox in the US, Toyota Dethrones Volkswagen Group as World’s Best-Selling Automaker, Toyota Corolla Reliability and Common Problems, 2021 Ford Bronco Leases Cheaper for Four-Door Variant, 2022 Nissan Frontier, Pathfinder Star in Teasers Ahead of Debut. A Catalytic Converter is a part of the vehicles exhaust system. With national unemployment peaking at a record 14.7 percent in April and lots of high-riding trucks and SUVs left idle or driven less this year, the crime opportunities for catalytic converters this year have been ideal. But replacing a cat isn't cheap. Why Do People Steal Catalytic Converters? An uptick in catalytic converter thefts has a lot of street parkers concerned. The numbers aren't as dramatic as those for some other crimes, but they're worth noting in a year when a lot of vehicles are spending their time parked. Dangerous exhaust gases from the engine enter the catalytic converter, where they are turned into harmless water and carbon dioxide. The model you have has the catalytic converter in the engine bay rather than underneath the car – where it is much more secure. That’s nearly double the 200 thefts the city recorded in 2019. Owners with comprehensive coverage may also decline to report a catalytic-converter theft, said Lehman, if the total repair cost is roughly equal to their deductible (and to avoid a likely increase in the policy premium). Reader's Toyota Prius was targetted by thieves who stole the car's exhaust system. New factory cats are usually $1000 minimum. Older cars use more precious metals and their catalytic converters are often easier to get to. The financial hardship that has accompanied COVID-19 is one of the primary reasons for this surge. The city of Louisville is experiencing an increase in catalytic converter thefts. Over the past few weeks, Santa Monica has experienced a spike in catalytic converter theft, with thieves targeting one specific make of car. That’s why they target these vehicles more than any other. Park high-riding vehicles (i.e., trucks and SUVs) near low-profile cars. Metropolitan Police statistics show 8,248 cat converters were stolen in the capital last year, a 455 per cent rise on the 1,484 stolen in 2018, which was up from just 174 in 2017. Fuel-powered vehicles manufactured after 1974 have catalytic converters, according to Angie's List, so there are a lot of cars on the road that might appeal to catalytic converter thieves.However, thieves often target taller vehicles (such as pickup trucks or SUVs) because they can easily fit under the vehicle to access the catalytic converter, says The Spruce. Which cars are most at threat? In fact, Rhodium—one of the key elements found inside catalytic converters—is currently worth approximately ten times more than gold. Is Catalytic Converter Theft Something You Should Be Worried About? AA insurance claims have gone up from 32 in 2018 to 393 in 2019. The Toyota Prius is the most recognizable hybrid on the road—and that’s why it’s one of the vehicles catalytic converter thieves target the most. ). For example, in Europe, converter thieves often go after hybrid versions of the Honda Jazz, Lexis RX, and Toyota Auris. Latest figures suggest that up to 1,000 catalytic converters are chopped from cars and vans by thieves each month in London. Park in well-lit areas. The catalytic converter was mandated for all U.S. cars and trucks in 1975, to convert harmful pollutants into less harmful emissions before they left the exhaust system. Have had a cordless saw and they were probably gone in two minutes, ” Day said to. From happening in the engine enter the catalytic converter theft seems to happen far more in. 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