From the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center (MCAC):
- Virtually all vehicles with internal combustion engines have catalytic converters, which are intended to reduce 90% or more of harmful greenhouse gases emitted from an exhaust system. Converters offer tremendous benefits to the environment, as well as to the growing number of criminals who steal them.
- According to one major U.S. car insurer’s claims data, catalytic converter theft increased by nearly 300% between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. During those 12 months, almost $34 million was paid to company policyholders to settle claims. The previous year’s payout was less than $9 million.
- Catalytic converters are typically placed near a vehicle’s rear exhaust system, exposed and accessible to thieves. An experienced criminal needs only a few minutes and a battery-powered saw to remove a converter. Thieves operate so quickly that they often work in broad daylight.
- Modern gas- and diesel-powered engines pass exhausts through catalytic converters, where small amounts of rare and expensive metals, including rhodium, platinum and palladium, start a chemical reaction, turning the gasses into less-toxic pollutants for release. These metals make each stolen converter worth up to $800 to black-market auto parts suppliers and scrapyards.
- Fueling the recent increase in converter thefts is the reduced mining of the three rare metals due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions at South African mines, which contain an estimated 95% of the world’s supply.
- When possible, park in well-lit areas and close to building entrances.
- If you have a garage at your house, park your car inside and keep the garage door shut.
- Have the catalytic converter welded to your car's frame, which may make it harder to steal.
- 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.
- Calibrate your car's alarm to set off when it detects vibration.