Caught stealing Catalytic converter January 13 2023
GoAsFarAsYouCanSee · 952 views · 0:41
Skill Level
IntermediateTime Required
Half dayEstimated Cost
$50–200Equipment
Toyota RAV4 2019-2023Permit Required
NoTools Needed
Socket set, Wrench set, Jack, Jack stands, Drill, Bolts and fastenersGone in less than 90 seconds: Catalytic converter theft caught on camera
Cars Most Likely to Have Their Catalytic Converters Stolen Nationwide
1985-2021 Ford F-Series
1989-2020 Honda Accord
2007-17 Jeep Patriot
1990-2022 Ford Econoline
1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox
1997-2020 Honda CR-V
1987-2019 Toyota Camry
2011-17 Chrysler 200
2001-21 Toyota Prius
Cars Most Likely to Have Their Catalytic Converters Stolen in the West
2001-21 Toyota Prius
1985-2021 Ford F-Series
1989-2020 Honda Accord
1990-2022 Ford Econoline
1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
2007-20 Subaru Outback
2007-17 Jeep Patriot
2003-11 Honda Element
1998-2020 Subaru Forester
1995-2021 Toyota Tacoma
Cars Most Likely to Have Their Catalytic Converters Stolen in the Northeast
1985-2021 Ford F-Series
1987-2019 Toyota Camry
1989-2020 Honda Accord
2007-17 Jeep Patriot
1997-2020 Honda CR-V
1998-2020 Subaru Forester
2007-20 Subaru Outback
1990-2022 Ford Econoline
1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
1993-2020 Nissan Altima
Cars Most Likely to Have Their Catalytic Converters Stolen in the South
1985-2021 Ford F-Series
1989-2020 Honda Accord
2007-17 Jeep Patriot
1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
1990-2022 Ford Econoline
2007-21 Jeep Compass
1993-2020 Nissan Altima
2008-14 Dodge Avenger
2011-17 Chrysler 200
2011-19 Chevrolet Cruze
Cars Most Likely to Have Their Catalytic Converters Stolen in the Midwest
1985-2021 Ford F-Series
2007-17 Jeep Patriot
2011-17 Chrysler 200
2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox
2008-14 Dodge Avenger
1990-2022 Ford Econoline
1997-2020 Honda CR-V
1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
1987-2019 Toyota Camry
1989-2020 Honda Accord
Catalytic Converter: How It Works
Why Are Catalytic Converters Stolen?
Thieves hope to make a big payday by melting down the precious metals found in the anti-pollution devices – namely, platinum, palladium, and rhodium.
Platinum, for example, was recently trading at $900 per ounce, and palladium was at about $2,200 an ounce. Rhodium – fasten your seatbelts for this one – was going for nearly $13,000. Yes, $13,000 per troy ounce. In comparison, gold was a mere $1,700 per ounce. Prices fluctuate greatly and frequently, so those numbers are subject to change.
These metals are so expensive because there is high demand and limited supply globally, which is why gold is being explored as an alternative for the future.
Thieves can make anywhere from $25 to $300 for a standard catalytic converter, McDonold said. Ones from hybrid vehicles can sell for up to $1,400.
Why Are Hybrid Vehicles Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft?
Why hybrids? It’s because more precious metals are needed for a hybrid’s catalytic converter. Hybrid engines do not run as often, so their exhaust does not get as hot.
How Much Platinum Is in a Catalytic Converter?
How much of these precious metals reside in a specific catalytic converter varies, but many current models have only 6 or fewer grams of all three combined (there are 28.35 grams in an ounce). Depending on how much of each metal there is, their value could be as little as $200 or more than $1,000, so there is some real value hidden inside catalytic converters.
It’s important to note that none of this activity reflects on the original automakers. Catalytic converters have been federally required as an emissions-control device since 1975 for most non-commercial vehicles. As these lists demonstrate, thieves target a wide variety of models, regardless of the size of the vehicle, its age, or the automaker’s home country.
How Can You Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft?
Some protections are common sense – the same steps you would take to prevent car theft. According to McDonold with the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council:
Park in a well-lit area, especially when it comes to fleet vehicles, which many businesses own.
Park in your garage instead of in the driveway or on the street.
Always be aware of the area around where your vehicle is parked.
The NICB also has suggestions:
Install a catalytic converter anti-theft device.
If you have to park in a driveway, consider installing motion sensor security lights. “While lights may not provide complete security, they may make some thieves think twice,” the NICB says.
Have a muffler shop etch your vehicle’s VIN on the converter and spray it with highly visible, high-heat paint. Doing so enables law enforcement to track the converters, which in turn could lead police to the thieves. Follow me on Creatorland: https://www.creatorland.com/goasfarasyoucansee Discover Inspire Connect Collab
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