There seems to be a popular conversation going on about thieves stealing Catalytic Converters. It is true that Catalytic Converters have become a popular item to steal. There are a few reasons people steal these specific exhaust system parts.

1) There are precious metals contained within the Catalytic Converter and metal recyclers will pay cash for them.

2) They are easy to steal by removing a few bolts or cutting it off at the ends of the exhaust pipes.

3) Catalytic Converters do not have identifying or brand markings and therefore they are difficult to trace.

If you want to prevent your Catalytic Converter from being stolen you can ask a local auto shop to weld your parts into place. Although there are no guarantees, welding can add extra security to your removable part.

What is a Catalytic Converter?

A car’s exhaust system has a lot of metal parts, pipes and clamps. It is a very important part of your car in that it carry’s your car’s processed gasses. The muffler helps muffle the sound of your engine. The Catalytic Converter helps control dangerous gas emissions. Both the muffler and the Catalytic Converter are required parts for a car to be legally on the road. If people are stealing Catalytic Converters in your area your vehicle might be a target.
Are All Cars in Danger of This Theft?

The Catalytic Converter is located underneath your vehicle. The higher your car sits the higher the chances your exhaust system parts can be stolen. Specifically, vehicles that were manufactured after 1974 have Catalytic Converters with precious metals. With that, trucks, SUVS and vehicles that have higher suspensions are more susceptible to thievery. These particular thieves like to crawl on the ground in dark places like cockroaches.

The quicker the job the better. Toyota truck owners beware. Toyota Trucks and SUVs in the ’90s to the late 2000s are especially vulnerable because the Catalytic Converters are more exposed. The thieves can easily unbolt or cut out the converter in a matter of minutes. Some of the larger Toyota Trucks and SUV’s have two Catalytic Converters so it’s like a buffet to these night crawlers.

If your Catalytic Converter has been replaced with an aftermarket Catalytic Converter within the past few years, there is a good chance it won’t be stolen. The new aftermarket Catalytic Converters don’t have as much of the precious metals, so thieves typically don’t take them.

Where the Most Common Theft Occurs?

The most common places people park are the most common places where Catalytic Converter theft occurs. While you sleep, thieves are sliding underneath your truck and walking to their getaway cars. Cars parked on streets or in driveways, especially if the area is dark, are targeted. Park in a large open lot with a lot of other cars? Thieves are attracted to these areas for the amount of choices they provide. Likewise, auto dealerships with new cars and Semi-Truck Transport Trailers with new cars are ideal for thieves as well.

Some Tips on Repelling Night Crawling Thieves

If you are fortunate enough to have an option for a garage, clean it out and park your vehicle inside. If a garage is not an option, then try parking in a well-lit area or installing motion detector lights where your car is parked. A vehicle sensor detector alarm might help as well. Help your neighbors help you. Spread the word around your neighborhood and keep each other’s Catalytic Converters safe. Also remember that these particular kind of cockroaches do not like guard dogs. They are full of protein and dogs love protein.

There are a few other ways of preventing thieves from taking your car’s precious metals, or to you an important part to your exhaust system. For example, your auto repair shop can weld extra metal or some other devices to make it more difficult to remove. In the end, cockroaches have to eat so beware.

My Catalytic Converter Was Stolen

If people are stealing Catalytic Converters and yours gets stolen, you will know right away- not that it will blow up or anything like that, but it will sound like you don’t have an exhaust system at all. In other words, it will be loud. Although cars are required to have a Catalytic Converter to drive regularly on the roadways, highways and bi-ways, you should be fine to drive it to your local auto repair shop.