Catalytic converter thefts have made the news over the past few months. Recently, Everett Police, with the help of a would-be theft victim and the Seattle Police Department, caught a converter theft suspect.
Thieves want catalytic converters for the rare metals.
Stealing a catalytic converter is relatively easy and takes only a few seconds,
and the thief can get a few hundred dollars. The problem is that it can cost up
to $2,000 to $3,000 to replace the converter.
Catalytic converter thieves like to target vehicles
that are easier to slide under such as Toyota Priuses, Ford pick up trucks, or
Toyota 4 Runners.
Here are some suggestions on what you can do to prevent
your vehicle’s catalytic converter from being stolen,
·
Park your vehicle in a locked garage. If
you cannot, park it in a well-lit area with a security camera on your vehicle
if possible.
·
Install an anti-theft device on your
catalytic converter such as a “skid shield,” rebar cage, or stainless-steel
cable.
·
Paint the catalytic converter with
high-temperature fluorescent orange paint and engrave your vehicle’s VIN on it
to allow easier recovery if it is found.
·
Install a tilt sensing vehicle alarm
system.
·
When in a public parking area, if you see
suspicious activity such as people working underneath a vehicle, call 911.
KING TV:
Everett Police Department:
https://everettwa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/28641/Catalytic-Converters-Theft-Prevention-V2
Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:
https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6644
Nerdwallet:
https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/auto-loans/5-ways-to-foil-catalytic-converter-thieves
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