Image

888-984-3813

Image

888-984-3813

PestSure Blog

3 minutes reading time (531 words)

Catalytic Converter Theft on the Rise

What is a catalytic converter?

An integral part of all modern gasoline powered automotive engines, the catalytic converter's job is to reduce tailpipe emissions by catalyzing exhaust gasses into compounds that are safer for the environment. Hopefully everyone remembers Chem 101.

Why is it valuable? 

Catalytic converters for gasoline-powered auto engines contain precious metals: platinum, rhodium, and palladium. A catalytic converter contains just a few grams of each, but that is all it takes to drive up the value from $300 to $1500+ depending on age and what vehicle the catalytic converter was taken from. An experienced thief only needs minutes to perform the necessary work to steal the converter and the return can be quite lucrative. However, the value can plummet to less than $100 if the thief can't sell the catalytic converter to a legitimate recycling company and instead has to sell as scrap metal. This typically happens when legitimate recyclers detect the catalytic converter was stolen and refuse to buy for fear of knowingly buying stolen goods.

Although modern diesel engines also use a catalytic converter, they do not use the same precious metals that are required by gasoline engines. These vehicles are much less susceptible to catalytic converter theft.

What can you do about it?

The best way to deter any thief is to make your possessions less valuable or less desirable to steal. This can be accomplished in a few ways:

  • Park in well-lit areas to make it harder for thieves to hide in the shadows. They're working under the vehicle so the additional light won't help them anyway, but will make them more visible before and after the act.
  • Don't park all of your vehicles in close proximity. Doing so allows the thief to hit multiple vehicles in one night before you have time to do anything about it. Not all thefts occur at night, so don’t think your vehicle is safe during the day.
  • A recent solution is also one of the cheapest. High-visibility, high-temperature spray paint can "mark" the catalytic converter and discourage its theft. The value proposition only works if the thief has a good chance of selling the product for high dollars. If they think they'll get caught in the act or at the point of sale, they'd rather look elsewhere. Once your fleet is known to be theft-deterred, we'd expect the thieves would move on to more lucrative targets down the road. 
  • Etching a portion of the VIN number of the vehicle, at least the last 8 digits, onto the cat will also help track what happens next if it is stolen. Combined with high visibility spray paint, thieves should be tempted to move on to easier targets. 
  • Chemical etching stickers are also becoming available to not only deter the thieves, but also help law enforcement track down the thieves when sold. 

Law enforcement and regulators are working to tighten up this process by requiring paper trails and proof of ownership. However, we can all do our part to slow down the thefts and keep our vehicles on the road.

References:

Allstate - 5 ways to prevent catalytic converter theft

Catalytic Converter Scrap Price List 2022

CatEtch - Chemical Etching Stickers

×
Stay Informed

When you subscribe to the blog, we will send you an e-mail when there are new updates on the site so you wouldn't miss them.

Tips to Avoiding Aggressive Driving
The Heat Is On For Summer Safety
 

Comments

No comments made yet. Be the first to submit a comment
Already Registered? Login Here
Tuesday, 21 March 2023
14 March 2023
PestSure Blog
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, accidents resulting from fall protection and ladders are among the most frequently cited violations of workplace safety standards. Linda Midyett, vice president and loss control director...
09 February 2023
PestSure Blog
The difference between a big spill and a small spill often comes down to your employees’ reaction to the spill when it first occurs. A spill of pest control products needs prompt, correct, and well planned attention. Most often, a spill can be a mino...
13 January 2023
PestSure Blog
Parking lots are a lot riskier than most drivers think. Many pest control technicians likely believe there is a greater chance of being involved in an accident while driving between service appointments than maneuvering through a crowded parking lot....
01 December 2022
PestSure Blog
Reducing the severity of claims resulting from automobile accidents and on-the-job injuries is always top of mind for pest management professionals as they navigate their businesses through waters that are more litigious than ever. To assist pest con...
17 November 2022
PestSure Blog
Pest control professionals can control many job hazards with the proper selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), but not all hazards can be eliminated or mitigated solely by using PPE.   Some of the hazards technicians and inspe...
10 October 2022
PestSure Blog
Drivers struck and killed an estimated 7,485 people on foot in 2021 – the most pedestrian deaths in a single year in four decades and an average of 20 deaths every day, according to data collected by the Governors Highway Safety Association. Hitting ...
19 September 2022
PestSure Blog
The structural pest control industry is no stranger to sub-contractors. From termite pre-treatments and fumigations to lawn care and construction repairs, PMPs rely on subcontractors to fill in the service gaps and allow them to provide more services...
09 September 2022
PestSure Blog
More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, and more than 800,000 receive medical attention for dog bites, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Any dog breed – no matter how cute and friendly, no matt...