Did you know that as many as 153,000 catalytic converters across the United States were stolen in 2022? That’s a staggering number of thefts of these essential emissions control devices.
The theft of emissions control devices has become increasingly common. This has left many people wondering how to protect their vehicles from being targeted by thieves.
To protect your car, it’s important to take precautions. For example, installing an anti-theft package and staying up-to-date on your area’s car emission rules.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at catalytic converter theft. We will also explore why it’s become so common and discuss how to prevent your vehicle from becoming a target.
Why Are Catalytic Converters Being Stolen?
The main reason why catalytic converters are being stolen is that they contain valuable precious metals such as the following:
- Valuable Platinum Metal
- Palladium and rhodium
These metals are in high demand among scrap recyclers and scrap yards. Therefore, they are always looking for new sources of these precious metals.
Unfortunately, this increased demand has led to more thefts of catalytic converters. This is rampant in urban areas where thieves can easily break into cars parked on the street.
How to Prevent Catalytic Converter From Being Stolen
There are ways to reduce the risk of catalytic converter theft. To start, park your vehicle in a secure garage or a well-lit area where it is visible to passersby. Thieves are less likely to target a car in a well-lit area as they are more noticed.
Another way to prevent catalytic converter theft is to install a catalytic converter anti-theft package. These packages include the following:
- Protective coverings
- Locking devices
These elements make it much more difficult for thieves to access the catalytic converter. They may also include identifying information to help authorities track the thief of a stolen converter.
It’s also important to know car emission rules in your area. For example, driving a car without a functioning catalytic converter is illegal in some states.
What Should You Do If Your Catalytic Converter Is Stolen?
If your catalytic converter gets stolen, taking specific steps is essential. Start by contacting the police and filing a report. Don’t forget to provide as much identifying information about your car and the stolen converter as possible to help with the investigation.
Additionally, contact your insurance company and inform them of the theft. Depending on your policy, there may be cover to replace the stolen converter. Of course, you should check with your provider to confirm what your policy covers and the steps for filing a claim.
Protecting Your Catalytic Converter from Theft
We hope that we have shown you more about the issue of catalytic converter theft and the steps to take to prevent theft. By working together, we can help put an end to this growing problem.
Take action today to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter theft! Contact us to purchase one of our anti-theft packages for catalytic converters and gain peace of mind knowing that your car is secure.