Car owners take extra steps to protect against catalytic converter thefts

TEMPE — It can take just minutes for somebody to sneak underneath a car or truck and snatch a catalytic converter. Intruders steal them to provide the cherished metals that are in them, which in transform expenses thousands of pounds in repairs for vehicle proprietors.

The thefts have developed in the final 12 months and a half. Maricopa County Attorney’s Business states Phoenix Police reported all around 70 catalytic converter thefts in 2019. In 2020, there were being 720 reviews. In 2021, that variety grew to extra than 4,700. This calendar year now, the law enforcement office acquired approximately 2,300 stories, on speed to get to related numbers as very last 12 months.

On Sunday, the attorney’s business office partnered with Midas, an vehicle fix store, to etch auto identification and license plate numbers on people’s catalytic converters for free.

“We want to mail a message out to people who are committing these sorts of crimes that we’re taking a really hard seem at what they’re performing and seeking to discourage their legal habits,” explained Karla Navarrete, a spokesperson with MCAO.

Midas etched on 285 catalytic converters Sunday, even spray painting the converters to make them stand out extra and ideally discourage criminals from wanting to steal them.

“You just listen to every day or each and every week someone in my community is obtaining their catalytic converter stolen. It’s preventative,” said Scott Cook who came by to get two of his cars’ catalytic converters finished. He states his two cars he introduced sit outdoors most of the time, which can make catalytic converters a lot easier to accessibility.

“I do have a lifted truck, so I hear it really is quite easy to steal. I’m coming here just to avoid any concerns in the future or at least reduce them,” said Jaime Ramirez, yet another customer who came by Midas Sunday.

The partnership started by MCAO and Midas is accomplished in hopes of slowing down the thefts and keep the criminals accountable. MCAO claims the information now etched on individuals catalytic converters can assist with prosecution.

“Our prosecutors have to show that that catalytic converter arrived from a certain vehicle,” Navarrete said, including that the license plate and VIN numbers will assistance with that.

MCAO desires to host far more etching activities in the foreseeable future. Midas claims it is taking appointments for the no cost services at its East Valley stores.