It can only take two minutes for a thief to rip out the catalytic converter under your automobile that will render your vehicle inoperable and and could cost you upwards of a thousand dollars to replace.
Catalytic converter theft is on the rise nationwide and Los Angeles is no exception to this trend. Â Both LAPD Olympic and Wilshire divisions have seen a variety of vehicles targeted – it is on the rise specifically in the Mid-City and Miracle Mile areas. Â Many higher-sitting vehicles such as the Honda Element, the Toyota Sequoia and the Nissan Quest van have been targeted, but the LAPD has also seen a rising number of Toyota Camrys, Honda Accords and other sedans targeted as well.
The catalytic converter is part of a vehicle’s exhaust system and is valuable for its precious metals such as platinum, palladium, rhodium or gold. A jacked catalytic converter can be sold to metal recyclers for $50-$250 each. A thief can unbolt or cut out and remove a catalytic converter in a matter of minutes, disabling your car completely.
The LAPD shared some tips to prevent catalytic converter thefts. They suggest parking your vehicle in a secure garage, installing devices that are sold off-market and designed to prevent such thefts, etching an identifying number onto your catalytic converter, or having a muffler shop mechanic weld additional metal onto the catalytic converter to prevent its removal.
Information and questions may be directed to the LAPD Wilshire Auto Detectives at 213-922-8205.