Thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles have skyrocketed during the pandemic, prompting a more aggressive response from police agencies in warning car owners about the crime and helping them to fight back.

The stolen converters are cut from the exhaust system by thieves with saws and jacks, enabling them access under the car.  The thieves will sell the converters to recycling plants for $85 – $200.  At the same time, thousands of vehicle owners typically will have to pay several hundred or even thousands of dollars to replace the stolen part.

Many law enforcement agencies noted that this is not a new crime; its frequency has drastically increased in the past year.  Historically, many agencies hadn’t differentiated between stolen catalytic converters and any other property theft, but some departments have started keeping tabs.

“We are seeing this happen during the day and at night. Thieves will crawl underneath the vehicle and cut the converter out with a saw – some have gotten so good at removing them that it can be done within minutes,” said Detective Bureau Lieutenant Rob Dafoe.

“In most cases, you won’t know this has happened until you start your car. You will hear excessive noise that amplifies as you push the gas pedal.”

A driving factor has been the increased value of some of the precious metals that catalytic converters are made of, including rhodium, palladium and platinum. In the past five years, the price of an ounce of palladium and rhodium has risen from $500 and $640.

“It really is showing us, unfortunately, that the pandemic really did cause some economic distress and hardships for many people,” Doug Shupe, AAA spokesman, said.  “That’s led to; I guess you could call, enterprising criminals with more time on their hands and people who are looking for ways to make quick money.”

Preventive products, like catalytic converter cages or clamps, are in high demand.  Kate Brueggemeier, general manager of the Ohio-based company CatClamp, said business has experienced “exponential growth,” increasing twentyfold in the last 18 months.

“We’re doing everything we can to keep our supply lines intact, but the orders just are coming in about as fast as we can get them out,” Brueggemeier said, adding, “Theft has just gone through the roof.”

Here are six tips to prevent catalytic converter theft from your vehicle:

  • Use your garage to protect your vehicle
  • Etch your VIN or license plate number on your converters.
  • Install a skid plate or large cover on the bottom of your vehicles
  • Upgrade car alarms that activate when your car is jacked on one side
  • Consider aftermarket products such as straps or cages to make the theft difficult.
  • Spray paint your converter with bright colors.