Why Catalytic Converters?
There has been a rise in the theft of catalytic converters from vehicle exhaust systems in the City of Irvine and across California. The vehicles most commonly targeted by thieves for catalytic converter thefts are the Toyota Prius, Honda Accord, Honda Element, and Toyota Tacoma.
Catalytic converters contain precious metals platinum, rhodium, and palladium. The metals are expensive, and thieves can sell the converters for several hundred dollars per piece, depending on the size of the converter and the current rate on the metals inside it. These types of theft have increased across the region due to the rise in prices for precious metals.
How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft:
- To avoid becoming a victim of catalytic converter theft, consider parking in a garage when possible.
- Park in an area covered by surveillance video.
- You can park close to curbs to prevent access underneath your vehicle.
- Park in well-lit areas.
- Next time you service your car, ask your mechanic to engrave your license plate number on the catalytic converter. It acts as a deterrent, as recycling centers are informed to report marked converters as likely stolen to law enforcement.
- Alarm systems can be calibrated to activate upon vibration.
- Security devices can attach to your catalytic converter, making removing it more difficult.
How Do I Know If My Catalytic Converter Was Stolen?
If your catalytic converter is missing, you’ll notice a loud rumbling or roaring sound when you turn on the engine. This gets louder when you hit the gas. The exhaust is not working properly, so the vehicle also drives rougher than usual, often with a sense of sputtering as you change speed. Go to the back of the car and look underneath. The catalytic converter connects two pieces of piping in the exhaust. If the converter is missing, you will see a gaping space in the middle of your exhaust, and you will likely see signs of the piping cut away or tampered with.
How to Report Catalytic Converter Theft:
If you see suspicious activity, such as hearing sawing/grinding noises at night, or witness a crime in progress, call 911 immediately. To report a catalytic converter theft that is not currently in progress, contact the Irvine Police Department at (949) 724-7200.