Delaware State Police have recently noticed an increase in catalytic converter thefts across the state. Most of these thefts involve different types of vehicles. Thefts typically occur when vehicles are parked in large public parking lots, including retail locations, healthcare facilities, and business parks. Catalytic converters can be removed in less than a minute, so any hour of the day or night is a golden opportunity for these crimes to occur.
Catalytic converters contain platinum, rhodium and palladium. Metals are expensive and thieves sell the converters at salvage yards. It can cost you up to $3,000 to install and replace a catalytic converter. Driving without one is illegal and the resulting vacuum in your exhaust system causes the car to run poorly. Thieves focus on easy targets for catalytic converter theft, and a few simple steps will help make your vehicle a less likely target.
If your catalytic converter is missing, you will notice a loud noise or hum as soon as you start the engine. The sound will get louder as you accelerate. Since the exhaust is not working properly, the vehicle will run rougher than usual, often with a sputtering feeling as you shift gears. Go to the back of the car and look down. The catalytic converter is a round box that connects two pieces of piping to the exhaust. You will see a gap in the middle of your exhaust if the converter is missing, and you will likely see signs that the pipe has been cut.
Park in well-lit areas when possible. If you have a personal garage, keep your car in the garage with the door closed when the vehicle is not in use. When parking in a public lot, park close to the building entrance or nearest access road. There is increased pedestrian traffic in these areas.
Install an anti-theft device with a catalytic converter. These devices can provide some level of security against theft. You can also weld the converter to the frame of the car, making its removal more challenging. If your car has a security system, make sure the sensitivity is high. This ensures that the alarm is activated if a thief tries to tamper with your converter.
Installing video surveillance or motion sensor lighting around your garage or driveway is also helpful. Engrave your VIN on your catalytic converter to make it easier to identify if it is stolen.
While prevention is not complete protection, it can cause a thief to reconsider committing a crime. If prevention is unsuccessful, the next best method to combat criminal activity is to rely on bystanders to report crimes immediately and provide as many investigative leads as possible. Troopers are asking community members to be aware of their surroundings while walking in public parking lots. Be a good lookout and call 911 if you see or hear anything suspicious. Information regarding catalytic converter thefts can also be obtained by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness to a crime or has lost a loved one to an unexpected death and need help, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victims Center is available to provide you with support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You can also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].
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Presented by Public Information Officer Sergeant India Sturgis
Issued: 091622 1505
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