Catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise in the past couple of years. There has been an estimated 26,000 catalytic thefts so far in 2022, according to an analysis by BeenVerified. This is more than 33% from last year. Thieves steal them in a matter of minutes and sell them to the local metal dealers for hundreds of dollars.
Giant insurance companies like State Farm reported handling three times as many catalytic converter theft claims in 2021 as it did in 2020 and ten times more than it did in 2019. You may be asking, “How do I prevent my catalytic converter from being stolen?” Or, “Are there ways to prevent thieves from stealing my catalytic converter?” You’ve come to the right place. This article covers tips you can utilize to prevent thieves from stealing your catalytic converter.
Know if You’re a Target for Catalytic Converter Theft
Select a few local muffler stores in your area and inquire which vehicles are targeted in your region. The most common targets include Jeep Cherokees, Ford trucks and Honda Elements. It’s essential to know that every area has a different common vehicle, but trucks and SUVs are the biggest targets since they are easy to slide under.
Invest in Anti-Theft Devices
Installing a cable locking device is much cheaper than replacing a catalytic converter. The internet is full of these devices to protect your catalytic converter, costing $250 to $800. You can go for a steel shield that fits perfectly over the catalytic converter and securely lock it, ensuring that the thief will need extra tools to remove it. You can also get a cage made of the strongest steel that’s difficult to cut. Some muffler shops can custom-weld such a device to your car, but avoid attaching the catalytic converter directly to the car’s frame, as this can be noisy.
Set an Alarm To Catch the Thieves
Consider installing a motion-sensitive dash cam to notify you of theft in progress or record the license plate of the getaway car. Avoid highly sensitive alarms that go off when something hits or touches your car, as this could distract you from the real danger. Let the car alarm go off only when thieves jostle or jack your car.
Park in a Secure Area
The most basic security measure you can take to prevent catalytic converter theft is parking in a secure area. Thieves don’t like exposure and will not attempt to approach a vehicle parked in a public place. When parking at home, make sure you park in a closed garage or well-lit driveway. When parking in new places, be selective about where you park. Pick streets that are well lit with plenty of traffic and CCTV cameras rolling.
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