The rise of street criminals targeting parked business vans and work trucks has increased astonishingly since the tail end of 2019. An issue that has snowballed, likely due to pandemic lockdowns and an exacerbated criminal element resulting from defunded law enforcement, crooks continue to target work vehicles for their catalytic converter bodies. Though, as of the summer of 2023, there have been reports of a decline in this illegal auto parts trade and delinquent activity, many populated suburban areas and cities are still dealing with cat converter thieves who aim to target vehicles left parked in dark and quiet areas.

Why Your Work Vehicle is at Risk for Having its Catalytic Converter Stolen

Catalytic converter thefts continue to happen because these exhaust components are expensive and easy to steal, and since it is a non-violent crime, many crooks desperate for quick cash are quick to strike work vehicles, thinking that a business or corporation will replace the stolen catalytic converters of their work vehicles with their insurance coverage.

However, personal work vehicles have been targeted in many cases. Entrepreneurs and small business owners have reported catalytic thefts right from their homes or places of business. Unlike major corporations, many self-owned companies or self-employed workers do not carry the insurance that covers a stolen catalytic converter from a work vehicle. There is a sure way to help prevent this matter from happening to your work van or truck.

How to Avoid Falling Victim to Catalytic Converter Theft

In today's challenging criminal climate, protecting your work, delivery, or construction vehicle has never been more crucial. Popular utility work vans like the Nissan NV200, Chevy City Express, and trucks like the Toyota Tundra, have become main targets for catalytic converter thieves. Thieves often pick these vehicles because of their accessibility and the high value of the pure metals they contain within their construction.

The Vulnerability of Work Vehicles Left on a Job Site or in Empty Parking lot

Work vans and trucks, often need to be parked in industrial parks or at job sites, making them easy targets for criminals looking to steal catalytic converters. These vehicles are frequently parked alone overnight, and thieves take advantage of their vulnerability during these hours of darkness. Catalytic converter theft can occur in mere minutes, leaving vehicle owners with substantial repair costs and vehicle downtime which will eat away at your ability to make money.

The Value of a Truck or Van Catalytic Converter

Catalytic converters contain valuable metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which are in high demand in the black market. When thieves steal catalytic converters, they intend to sell these precious metals, which can fetch a substantial price, sometimes several hundred dollars for one unit. As a result, work vehicles are likely larger in size and have larger engines. This means there is likely a larger cat converter body with a higher resale value with the amount of metals on the inside. Thieves find it relatively easy to remove catalytic converters with minimal tools, such as a hacksaw. Protecting your work vehicle and your investment is essential to take preventive measures to prevent becoming a victim.

Securing Your Work Vehicle with Cat Security Undercarriage Plate Protection

One effective way to deter thieves and protect your work vehicle's catalytic converter is by installing undercarriage plate guards from Cat Security. These metallic guards serve as a robust shield, making it incredibly challenging for thieves to access and steal your catalytic converter.

By investing in a Cat Security undercarriage plate guard, you can save thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs, as well as valuable time that would otherwise be lost due to vehicle downtime. A robust plate guard is a strong deterrent against theft attempts, reducing the risk to your work vehicle substantially.

Don't let catalytic converter thieves disrupt your work and burden you with unexpected expenses. Protect your work truck or van investment with Cat Security's undercarriage plate guards. Get peace of mind, knowing that your vehicle is secure and your valuable catalytic converter is safe from criminals looking for an easy score. Shield your investment with Cat Security and focus on what matters most Ð your business and your livelihood.