Catalytic converter theft on the rise
The reports of catalytic converter theft in Atlanta were confirmed Friday by Chief Robin Betts. The City of Atlanta and several businesses were recently hit. Among the thefts were trucks from the City of Atlanta in a gated area which had their converters removed. Betts also said that regionally Spring Hill, LA had over 20 vehicle part thefts. Elsewhere in the county, Chief Lee in Linden has reported that there have been no thefts recently there.
USA Today and other national news outlets have reported that catalytic converter theft is on the rise nationally. “A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that converts toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction. Catalytic converters are usually used with internal combustion engines fueled by petrol or diesel. To comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s stricter regulation of exhaust emissions, most gasoline-powered vehicles starting with the 1975 model year are equipped with catalytic converters.” - Wikipedia
According to Farmers Insurance, the reason for the demand is that “catalytic converters contain platinum, palladium, and rhodium — precious metals more valuable than gold. (As of May 2021, rhodium was valued at $27,900 per ounce, palladium at $2,896 per ounce, and platinum at $1,227 per ounce.) Their value has escalated in recent years as automakers use more precious metals in catalytic converters to further reduce emissions.”
Allstate Insurance explains that “you may not be able to tell your catalytic converter was stolen by looking at your car, but you will know as soon as you start the engine. When the catalytic converter has been removed, your vehicle will make a loud roaring sound that will get louder as you push the gas pedal, says The Spruce. Your car might also make a sputtering sound as you change speed, or you’ll notice it’s not driving smoothly.”
The insurance went on to give some helpful tips to their customers on how to reduce theft. They include:
1. When possible, park in well-lit areas and close to building entrances.
2. If you have a garage at your house, park your car inside and keep the garage door shut.
3. Have the catalytic converter welded to your car’s frame, which may make it harder to steal.
4. Consider engraving your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the catalytic converter — this may help alert a scrap dealer that it was stolen and make it easier to identify the owner (Farmers recommends your license plate number).
5. Calibrate your car’s alarm to set off when it detects vibration.
It may also help to install security cameras where you are parked, with a sign letting potential thieves know they are being watched.
New House Bill 4110 signed in June and went into effect September 1 makes it a felony to buy or sell stolen catalytic converters. Chief Betts says that this particular crime is still under investigation and that if you have any information, please contact Atlanta Police Department or 911 if you see a theft in the process.