Automotive catalytic converter theft is on the rise nationwide, and Florida is no exception. The news of gangs or criminals engaging in this type of practice certifies it: “The suspects of theft of catalytic converters who tried to flee are arrested”, “Armed criminals steal catalytic converters twice from the same family”, “Catalyst thefts increase in South Florida”.
The list of headlines could go on and on, but why are these parts found inside vehicles so appealing?
“Catalytic converters, which help control harmful exhaust emissions from your engine, contain precious, precious metals that thieves can resell,” says AAA, The Auto Club Group, which currently offers a prevention program to prevent this. type of robbery.
WHAT DOES A CATALYTIC CONVERTER DO?
Its purpose is to limit the amount of harmful pollutants emitted by an internal combustion engine. Located between the vehicle’s engine and the exhaust pipe, these devices convert toxic gases found in automotive emissions, such as carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen, into less harmful substances such as carbon dioxide and water vapour, explains AAA.
Catalytic converters are filled with precious metals, which act as catalysts. “Most often these are palladium, rhodium and platinum. When harmful gases from engine emissions pass through the device, they come into contact with these metals and undergo a chemical reaction. This process changes their structure molecular, transforming them into safer substances.
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THESE METALS?
The United States Department of Justice explained in a statement about one of the operations carried out late last year against a gang that stole catalytic converters, that these auto parts use precious metals in their center, or “core,” and are often subject to because of the high value of these metals, “particularly the precious metals palladium, platinum, and rhodium. Some of these precious metals are more valuable per ounce than gold and their value has increased in recent years. The black market price of catalytic converters can exceed $1,000 each, depending on the type of vehicle and its original condition, according to what was released by the Department of Justice.
AAA also notes that recent disruptions to supply chains as a result of the pandemic have made sourcing even more difficult and, therefore, even more expensive.
INCREASE IN FLIGHTS
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, 3,389 catalytic converters were reported stolen in the United States in 2019. This number jumped 1,215% in 2021.
In Florida, the reported cases are numerous and more precisely in the county of Hillsborough, in the center-west, where the city of Tampa is located, they have for example increased by 50% between 2021 and 2022, according to data from the office of the Hillsborough County Sheriff.
Concern over the practice has reached the state congress and a legislative proposal aims to put an end to this type of theft. The Criminal and Civil Justice Committee currently has in its hands legislative proposal SB 306 by Jim Boyd, a Republican senator from Bradenton.
This proposal aims, among other things, to prohibit a secondary metal recycler from treating or disposing of a catalytic converter; create the “catalytic converter anti-theft law”; require documents related to a transaction involving a catalytic converter; prohibit the purchase, sale or installation of a stolen, detached or altered catalytic converter and increase the criminal penalties for these offences.
HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CAR’S CATALYST HAS BEEN STOLEN?
Car owners will know immediately that something is wrong when they start the engine. Without the catalytic converter, the vehicle will make a loud, roaring sound. The “check engine” light may also come on and drivers may notice that the vehicle is not running properly, according to AAA in a series of recommendations posted on its website.
MOST STOLEN CARS
Vehicle sales company CARFAX analyzed service reports for catalytic converter replacements from more than 60,000 service shops across the country, focusing on service records from 2019 through the first three months of 2022 and has ranked the vehicles most likely to be stolen.
- 1985-2021 Ford F-series
- 1989-2020 Honda Accord
- Jeep Patriot 2007-17
- 1990-2022 Ford Econoline
- Chevrolet Silverado 1999-2021
- Chevrolet Equinox 2005-21
- 1997-2020 Honda CR-V
- Toyota Camry 1987-2019
- 2011-17Chrysler 200
- 2001-21 Toyota Prius
HOW TO PREVENT THEFT
AAA has developed a series of recommendations to avoid falling victim to these robberies.
Install an anti-theft device or register the player. Depending on the position, there are several types of devices available, including armor, cages, and steel cables. Check with your mechanic to see if this would be a safe solution for your vehicle.
Check to see if there is an auto service center in your area to register your vehicle’s catalytic converter in a national crime prevention database, accessible to authorities and recyclers.
Engrave your license plate number or VIN on the catalytic converter. You can’t stop a thief from stealing the catalytic converter, but it might deter them. If the component is taken, the unique marking can alert potential buyers that it has been stolen.
Park in safe places. If possible, park your car in a closed garage or in your driveway. If you park away from home, leave the vehicle in a well-lit area.
Review your auto insurance policy. See if you have full coverage. This provides protection against damage caused by an incident other than an accident, including theft.