Catalytic Coverters Thefts Reported

Thieves are at it again. This time, instead of stealing almonds and other goods, they are stealing parts from unsuspecting car owners. They are after the catalytic converters installed on millions of cars and trucks. The thieves do not care about air pollution. These converters are anti-pollution devices and contain various precious metals. According to several reports from California, Alabama, Louisiana, New York, North Carolina and other states, thieves are stealing catalytic converters to sell to scrap yards.

What's the main reason? What's the motivation for thieves? Prices are up.

The prices have risen from $5 to $30 a decade ago to $5 to $100 these days. Some old models can even go up to $150. What is odd about all of this is that thieves can operate in plain daylight. It does not take them long to saw off your vehicle's catalytic converter. These bad guys are doing this because of the precious metals that are found in the converters. Platinum, rhodium, and palladium are some of the rare metals.

How to recognize whether your car or truck has been affected?

If it is rumbling as if no muffler exists or if the exhaust releases a heavy and strong roar, then you will know that the catalytic converter has been removed. Replacing it at your dealership can cost thousands of dollar. So it is something huge that the authorities want to monitor.