Catalytic converter thefts up 5,300% in Texas since 2019

SUVs and fleet automobiles, these kinds of as university buses, have been major targets to catalytic converter intruders, the report claimed. Toyota Prius’ have also frequently fallen target to these thefts due to the fact they have two converters. 

Catalytic converters, which change dangerous substances used to run a motor vehicle into less dangerous gasses, are theft targets since they have a high earning likely, according to AAA. Robbers can offer the auto part to metallic scrappers for hundreds of pounds or to recyclers for $50-$250. AAA mentioned the motive these components can be offered for so substantially is simply because two of its elements, rhodium and palladium, are worthy of a lot more per ounce than gold. 

Nonetheless, changing a catalytic converter is far more highly-priced than selling one. It could value involving $1,000-$3,000 to change the portion and it might be unlawful to travel a motor vehicle with no the converter, as well, AAA reported. 

“For lots of people, our autos are some of the most expensive purchases we make during our lifetimes, so guarding them must be a precedence,” AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster mentioned. “With the price of several products and companies on the rise, the very last issue automobile homeowners will need is a expensive automobile mend.”

AAA provided quite a few tips in buy to preserve one’s car or truck safe and sound from catalytic converter thieves. They bundled parking vehicles in effectively-lit spaces close to creating entrances, parking in the garage if a person owns one particular, on the lookout into paying for a converter security system, engraving the Motor vehicle Identification Quantity on the converter and having an improved insurance policies policy.