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Catalytic Converter theft Austin

Posted on March 13, 2021 at 6:56 PM Comments comments (10)


CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFTS ARE ON THE
                   RISE

Here's what to do if you become a victim

Departments issued a warning about the increase in
catalytic converter thefts statewide.

 City Detectives were working on more than 100 active cases of catalytic
converter thefts, according to their Facebook post.



Here's some information on catalytic converters and what to do
                  if you become a victim.

   ï‚· Why would thieves target catalytic converters?

Catalytic converters contain platinum, rhodium and palladium. The metals
are expensive, and thieves sell the converters to scrap yards for $150 to
$200 per piece depending on the size of the converter and the current rate
on the metals inside it, according to The Spruce.

The rate of catalytic converter theft varies depending on the current prices
of the metals inside it.

The price increase of the metals typically result in an increase in thefts.


               Here's what to do if you become a victim



 Thieves often target
taller vehicles like pickup trucks or SUVs because they can easily fit under
the vehicle to access the catalytic converter, according to The Spruce.



     How do you know if your catalytic converter was stolen?

It's hard to tell if your catalytic converter was stolen just by looking at your
vehicle. However, you'll know when you start the engine.


Your vehicle may make a loud rumbling sound when you turn on the engine
that gets louder when you hit the gas if your catalytic converter is missing.

"The exhaust is not working properly, so the vehicle also drives rougher
than usual, often with a sense of sputtering as you change speed," sources say.


If you suspect your catalytic converter is stolen, go to the back of your
vehicle and look underneath.

"The catalytic converter is a round canister that connects two pieces of
piping in the exhaust. You will see a gaping space in the middle of your
exhaust if the converter is missing, and you will likely see signs of the
piping being cut away."

Toxic fumes will likely be easy to smell without it, too.
           How can you prevent catalytic converter theft?

Thefts are more concentrated on vehicles that are the most elevated,
although some thieves do not hesitate to use a jack to lift cars.

A simple and effective way to protect your catalytic converter is to park
your vehicle in a garage when possible. If you don't have access to a garage,
park in a well-lit area, recommends Gast.

Businesses can also engrave an identification number on a vehicle's
catalytic converter and enter that information into a database that can be
searched by law enforcement and metal recyclers for theft.

While some recyclers are quick to accept engraved parts, Gast believes this
measure really helps minimize the ability of thieves to dispose of their
stolen parts.

Some people also go to local machine shops to have the converter welded to
the vehicle frame or have mechanics weld a screen over it.



   What do you do if your catalytic converter has been stolen?

If you are a victim of this type of theft, immediately notify the police
department so the case can be documented.

If you have your VIN number engraved on the device, give them that
number as well.

The Spruce recommends calling local scrap yards to inform them of the
theft, especially if there is an engraved number on the converter that they
can verify.

You can also give them your phone number so you are notified in case your
converter shows up at a scrap shop.

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