Are catalytic converter thefts still on the rise? As of 2022, yes. They are. With a drastic surge in stolen catalytic converters beginning at the tail end of 2019, the price for precious metals increases so does the risk that thieves may target your car.
Is Catalytic Converter Theft A Serious Problem?
Since the value of rhodium has skyrocketed, catalytic converter thefts have also taken to new heights. This is because they hold both rhodium and other precious metals like platinum and iridium. These high-priced, non-corrosive metals are used to clean your car's exhaust before it enters the atmosphere.
Catalytic converter thievery puts victims in a horrible situation. Not only does it damage the exhaust components of one's vehicle, but it can cost thousands of dollars to replace one. In many cities, there is little to no decline in the number of converter thefts happening every month. Even with home and business surveillance cameras, crooks are still relentless and can strike during the night or daytime hours by concealing their identity with face masks.
Much like the stock market, there is no real way to predict what is going to happen with the crime rate. As of 2022, thefts appear to have remained steady across the country. However, catalytic converter theft has caught the attention of state representatives across the country.
Is the Law Cracking Down on Catalytic Converter Theft?
Local, state and federal law agencies have been working together nationwide to stop catalytic converter theft. According to AAA, catalytic converter thefts in Texas have reached a 5,300% increase since the start of the pandemic in 2019 with the Toyota Prius being the most targeted vehicle.
Texas isn't the only state to see an abnormal increase in catalytic converter theft. States like Wisconsin, Michigan, and the westernmost states along the Pacific have witnessed thieves striking day and night. There are 1,600 catalytic converters reported stolen a month in the Golden State.
Along with Texas State representatives, California has recently pushed for 11 new bills regarding catalytic converter theft. While prioritizing this criminal matter, the state has also made a requirement to catalog the year, make, model, and VIN of the car from which an old catalytic converter is being sold. Even Congress has put forth Bill H.R 6394, also known as the PART Act, or "Preventing Auto Recycling Theft" Act which is designed to help prevent the theft and resale of stolen catalytic converters and other precious metals from vehicles. There are high hopes that authorities will begin to crack down on senseless car crimes across the country.
Keep Your Car's Catalytic Converter Guarded the Right Way
Here at Cat Security, we supply drivers with the best-fitted shield guards for their catalytic converters. Whether you drive a high-targeted vehicle, or are concerned about your vehicle's undercarriage but don't see your model type in our inventory, get on our waiting list and receive a notification when your catalytic converter guard is ready for order.