How to prevent a car from stealing a catalytic converter

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With catalytic converter theft on the rise, car owners need to take proactive steps to prevent their cars from being targeted. Catalytic converters are attractive targets for thieves due to the presence of valuable precious metals, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, within catalytic converters. To prevent catalytic converter theft, car owners should take the following steps:

1. Secure Parking: Park overnight in a locked garage, or in a well-lit, enclosed lot if you can. If you’re parking on the street, try to pick a well-lit one with plenty of traffic.

2. Anti-Theft Devices: Catalytic converter anti-theft devices are available from various manufacturers and range from steel plates protecting the underside of the vehicle to cages made from steel cables that are meant to discourage thieves from stealing a converter by making removal more time-consuming, which in turn increases the thief’s exposure to getting caught. Alarms—both full vehicle systems and special converter-specific ones—also can be effective deterrents. Talk with a trusted mechanic to see what they recommend for your vehicle.

3. Identifying Marks: Adding identifying marks such as etched license plate numbers, or painting the converters with bright colors, can deter thieves since it will be difficult for them to remove the marks or scrape away the paint.

4. Report Thefts: Even if you drive an older car and it doesn’t seem worth it, alert local law enforcement and your insurer if your catalytic converter does get stolen. Statistics can help legislators pass laws that make it tougher for thieves to sell stolen parts. By taking the steps outlined above, car owners can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to catalytic converter theft.

How to prevent a car from stealing a catalytic converter

With catalytic converter theft on the rise, car owners need to take proactive steps to prevent their cars from being targeted. Catalytic converters are attractive targets for thieves due to the presence of valuable precious metals, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, within catalytic converters. To prevent catalytic converter theft, car owners should take the following steps:

1. Secure Parking: Park overnight in a locked garage, or in a well-lit, enclosed lot if you can. If you’re parking on the street, try to pick a well-lit one with plenty of traffic.

2. Anti-Theft Devices: Catalytic converter anti-theft devices are available from various manufacturers and range from steel plates protecting the underside of the vehicle to cages made from steel cables that are meant to discourage thieves from stealing a converter by making removal more time-consuming, which in turn increases the thief’s exposure to getting caught. Alarms—both full vehicle systems and special converter-specific ones—also can be effective deterrents. Talk with a trusted mechanic to see what they recommend for your vehicle.

3. Identifying Marks: Adding identifying marks such as etched license plate numbers, or painting the converters with bright colors, can deter thieves since it will be difficult for them to remove the marks or scrape away the paint.

4. Report Thefts: Even if you drive an older car and it doesn’t seem worth it, alert local law enforcement and your insurer if your catalytic converter does get stolen. Statistics can help legislators pass laws that make it tougher for thieves to sell stolen parts. By taking the steps outlined above, car owners can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to catalytic converter theft.

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