One of my sister’s still lives in Brooklyn, NY and has to deal
with life in the big city. She forwarded this “Crime Prevention Tip” from the
NYPD’s Community Affairs Bureau. Just one more reason I don’t regret moving to
Eastern CT; although I'm sure it will become a problem here too.
Catalytic Converter Scam
Protect Your Business from Catalytic Converter Thieves
Since 1975, all vehicles produced in the United States must have a catalytic converter as part of the exhaust system. The catalytic converter is an emissions-control device that contains precious metals that act as catalysts. When hot exhaust enters the converter, a chemical reaction occurs that renders toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, into less harmful emissions.
With the price of precious metals skyrocketing, thieves are helping themselves to catalytic converters that contain enough platinum, palladium or rhodium to make it worth the risk to cut it from the underbelly of your vehicle. You might become aware that your catalytic converter has been stolen when your vehicle starts with a gravelly roar.
The Cost of Catalytic Converter Theft
Stolen catalytic converters are sold to scrap yards for around $100 to $150, but the cost to your business could be much bigger. There's the hassle of a vehicle that can't be safely driven, as well as the expense of having it towed to a local repair shop and getting the part replaced.
What Do Thieves Look For?
Catalytic converter thefts typically happen to vehicles that are parked for prolonged periods in large lots, such as shopping centers, mass transit commuter lots or company parking lots.
Vehicles that sit higher from the ground, such as trucks, pick-ups and SUVs, are particularly vulnerable to catalytic converter theft because thieves can slide underneath without having to jack up the vehicle to gain access to the converter. With just a few cuts of a battery-powered saw, the catalytic converter can be stolen in less than a minute.
Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft
To combat catalytic converter thefts, a number of states have passed laws tightening the restrictions on metal scrap dealers. In many cases, dealers are required to verify the seller's identity with a photo ID and maintain complete records of sellers for 5 years.
To prevent catalytic converter theft, use common sense and follow these tips:
- Always park in well-lighted areas
- At shopping centers and other similar parking lots, park close to the entrance of the building or near the access road where there's a lot of traffic
- If you own or work at a business or factory, park within a fenced area that's busy during the day and secured at night
- Engrave your license plate number on the converter to make it traceable
- Purchase a vehicle security system and make sure it's set to trigger with just the slightest motion
- Visit a local muffler shop and have the converter secured to the vehicle's frame with a hardened steel welded to the frame
- Examine the different types of catalytic converter theft deterrent systems at your local auto parts store or online
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| This is what it looks like when you've been relieved of your "cat". |
When I lived in Brooklyn it was batteries and computers they
were after. These appear to be a lot easier to steal.
This has created a new product line in vehicle
security.
Evidently this is a problem in the United Kingdom too.
Cables
The “Cat Tray” – not exactly the same as the one you use for Fluffy.
Chains
Alarms
And bikes have them too!
I didn’t hear any difference, but I’m getting old; did you?
According to the AMA website, Connecticut doesn’t require catalytic converters on bikes.
Finding confirmation of this on the CT State website isn’t as
easy, but I did find that the statutes on emissions applies to “Motor Vehicles”
and according to the definitions at the beginning of the statute “Motorcycles”
are defined separately. Check the links below to see what I mean.
Statute on Periodic Motor Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
See section 14-164c, page 5, item 29
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