By Amanda Moses
The New York City Police Department is warning car owners of a rise in catalytic converter thefts in the metropolitan area; however, this issue is a nationwide problem.
A catalytic converter is a device located on the bottom of the vehicle that helps control the exhaust emissions. The hot exhaust from a car enters the converter, causing a chemical reaction turning carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into less harmful emissions. If your catalytic converter was stolen, the NYPD states that you will notice this when your car starts with a gravelly roar.
The NYPD is taking steps to counter these thieves by preventing stolen car parts, specifically those made from palladium, platinum or rhodium—precious metals that have increased in value due to limited mining throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The police warn that this device can be stolen in a matter of minutes. This can cost a driver more than $2,000 to replace.
Other car parts that are often stolen include rimes, tires, headlights, and even seats. While car parts are easily stolen, thieves have also developed high-tech methods to steal entire vehicles digitally cloning car key fobs—obtaining a key code and then reprogramming the device using a scan tool—allowing them easier access with no damage to the car.
According to NYPD statistics, grand larceny auto, which includes vehicles stolen, has increased 84.7% with 3,151 incidents occurring year-to-date compared to 1,706 incidents that occurred in 2021. Additionally, the NYPD warns that catalytic converter thieves often target; pickup trucks, SUVS, and Honda’s, or any vehicle that is high above the ground providing easier access to the precious metal.
One of the many precautionary methods you can do to deter catalytic converter theft is to first find out if the model car you have, or plan to buy, uses any of the aforementioned metals.
The NYPD advises that if your car does use one of these metals, try not to park in high traffic areas such as mall parking lots or on the same street corner for a long period of time, purchase an anti-theft device from your local mechanic (this would be a small cage to protect the catalytic converter) or engrave your car’s license plate number to it. There is also a kit drivers can purchase from their local mechanic that etches a VIN number and shows when the converter heats up.
