Buyers Turn a Blind Eye to Stolen Catalytic Converters, Investigators Say (2024)

In July, volunteers at the nonprofit Kids Against Hunger Bay Area heard a roaring noise when they tried to start their delivery vehicle -- its catalytic converter had been stolen.

“It sounded like a Sherman tank,” volunteer Doug Loskot recalled.

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The fix to the truck was covered by comprehensive insurance, but the nonprofit had to pay a deductible of $500. Loskot noted the organization, which primarily donates meals to orphanages in Haiti, could have provided 2,500 meals for that same amount.

Since the start of the pandemic,law enforcement agenciesall over the world,have reportedanuptick incatalytic converter thefts. The converter is located underneath a car and limits exhaust emissions. Car owners can be forced to pay thousands of dollars to replace a stolen converter.

Several of the precious metals found inside converters haveskyrocketed in priceduring the pandemic.

Buyers Turn a Blind Eye to Stolen Catalytic Converters, Investigators Say (1)

In less than two minutes, thieves can saw off a car’s converter to cash in on the precious metals inside.

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Joseph Boche, who is a director with the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI), explained that stolen converters can sell for as little as $50 to as much as $1,600 on the black market.

“You go hit ten Priuses overnight, you just made eight grand,” Boche explained. “I mean, that's a lot more profitable than selling drugs and a whole lot less risk.”

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His committee foundstolen converters can easily be laundered by vehicle recyclers, processors, and smelters who face “little scrutiny” about what they are buying.

“It sounds like we have a lot of people turning a blind eye?” we asked Boche.

“I think so,” Boche replied.

In California, the state’s Business and Professions Coderequiresrecyclers who buy used converters to keep records on the seller and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the car the converter came from.

NBC Bay Area Responds asked seven state agencies what arm of the state is responsible for enforcing this part of the code. While some agencies, like DMV, can enforce the code in certain cases, we found that no single agency is tasked with it, although local law enforcement can, and sometimes does.

“I know when we come across these suspects it’s usually when we catch them transporting or leaving the scene of the crime” noted Sgt. Ray Kelly with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.

Buyers Turn a Blind Eye to Stolen Catalytic Converters, Investigators Say (4)

We decided to test the state code ourselves and borrowed a used catalytic converter from a licensed auto parts store. Next, we contacted 10 different recyclers, auto shops, and junkyards. None of them offered to buy the converter. However, one individual junk hauler offered 70 bucks cash for the converter. We declined the offer.

We also found lots of used converters in California for sale on eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace, even though the state forbids used converters from being sold to anyone but qualified recyclers. We asked all three companies about those listings. Only eBay responded, saying that used converters on its site must be recertified or listed as scrap metal.

Los Angeles County District AttorneyGeorge Gascón believes that when it comes to the problem of catalytic converter thefts, “we cannot arrest and prosecute our way out of it.”

Gascón wrote letters to Honda, Ford, Toyota, and General Motors this summer, asking them to sit down with his team to come up with solutions to prevent catalytic converter thefts. He wants automakers to start placing identifying markings on converters. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires more than a dozen “high theft risk” parts on all cars to be labeled with the 17-digit VIN; the catalytic converter is not one of those parts.

NBC Bay Area Consumer Investigator Chris Chmura explains how to mark or etch your car's catalytic converter.

“We've got a very warm reception from Honda and we're working with them,” Gascón said. “Disappointingly, GM and Ford and Toyota have not responded with the same desire.”

If automakers don’t make changes on their own, Gascón is prepared to push for state laws to force their hand.

In the meantime, all the experts NBC Bay Area spoke with for this story agreed: the simplest way to protect your converter is parking in a garage. If that’s not an option, try parking in a well-lit area with obvious cameras.

You can also get your VIN etched into your converter, which would allow law enforcement to trace it back to you if it gets stolen.

Buyers Turn a Blind Eye to Stolen Catalytic Converters, Investigators Say (5)

Buyers Turn a Blind Eye to Stolen Catalytic Converters, Investigators Say (2024)

FAQs

Buyers Turn a Blind Eye to Stolen Catalytic Converters, Investigators Say? ›

His committee found stolen converters can easily be laundered by vehicle recyclers, processors, and smelters who face “little scrutiny” about what they are buying. “It sounds like we have a lot of people turning a blind eye?” we asked Boche. “I think so,” Boche replied.

Can you drive your car without a catalytic converter? ›

You can technically drive without a catalytic converter, but doing so would be illegal. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, you'll probably notice because your engine will be much louder while idling. Driving without a catalytic converter won't compromise your safety, but you will be at risk of being fined.

Are people still stealing catalytic converters in 2024? ›

After spiking toward the end of 2022, catalytic converter thefts have dropped significantly. “Our catalytic converter thefts for 2024 are 2,113 citywide,” LAPD Interim Chief Dominic Choi stated at the Los Angeles Police Commission meeting on June 4.

Can a scrap yard tell if a catalytic converter is stolen? ›

Mark your catalytic converter – Engraving or etching your catalytic converter with your vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number may deter theft. It may also alert a reputable scrap dealer that the device is stolen and can help to identify the owner.

Can police do anything about stolen catalytic converter? ›

Someone caught stealing or attempting to steal catalytic converters can be charged with a number of felonies in Los Angeles. Because of the high value of the precious metals, catalytic converter theft almost always qualifies as grand theft pursuant to Penal Code Section 487(a).

Will my insurance go up if my catalytic converter is stolen? ›

If you want your insurance to cover it, you will need comprehensive coverage which usually covers stolen parts. That said, depending on the replacement cost and your deductible, it may not make sense to file a claim. After all, filing a claim will likely make your rates go up.

Can you drive if someone stole your catalytic converter? ›

It can cost you on average up to $2000 to replace a catalytic converter, and it is illegal to drive your car without one. The resulting gap in your exhaust system also makes the car run poorly until it is fixed. The rate of catalytic converter theft varies depending on the current prices of the metals inside it.

What car has the most stolen catalytic converters? ›

Top Vehicles Targeted Nationwide
RANKMAKEMODEL
1FORDF SERIES TRUCK
2HONDAACCORD
3TOYOTAPRIUS
4HONDACR-V
6 more rows

What state has the most catalytic converters stolen? ›

California still tops the dubious list of total catalytic converter thefts, with more than 5,400 claims filed and about $17.8 million paid out through the first six months of 2023. There were about 11,900 claims filed in California through all of last year.

Will the check engine light come on if the catalytic converter is stolen? ›

You will also end up with the check engine warning on your dashboard right away. This is because various system sensors will report errors to the engine control module because the catalytic converter is missing.

Is there a catalytic converter cleaner that actually works? ›

Fortunately, a product like the Rislone Cat Complete Fuel, Exhaust and Emissions System Cleaner 16.9oz can help switch that light off and clean out the soot, carbon build-up, and residue in your fuel system.

Can a stolen catalytic converter be traced? ›

Catalytic Converter Theft

[5] Third, unlike major component parts required by federal law to be marked with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or VIN derivative, catalytic converters are not readily traceable back to the vehicle they were removed from.

What to do after my catalytic converter is stolen? ›

What To Do When Your Catalytic Converter Is Stolen
  1. Step 1: Contact the Authorities. If you find your catalytic converter is missing, you should immediately contact the authorities. ...
  2. Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company. ...
  3. Step 3: Visit a Mechanic.

What cars are not targeted for catalytic converter theft? ›

Your catalytic converter has a better chance of not being stolen by crafty thieves when you own a car with a low ground clearance. It's more difficult for a thief to get the tools under the vehicle to work quickly and efficiently to steal what he (or she) needs to escape without getting caught.

Should I replace my catalytic converter or get a new car? ›

Therefore, if the cost of a new catalytic converter almost matches or exceeds the value of your car, then it might be worthwhile investing in a new car. However, if the replacement cost is low, getting a new catalytic converter would be cheaper than buying a new car.

How long can I drive with a bad catalytic converter? ›

Over many years, the Catalytic Converter can break down since it's contaminated, clogged, or even damaged. So it's best to wait the 10 years, or if you have any concerns that you're driving with a clogged catalytic converter, then have it closely checked prior to considering even getting it replaced.

What does a car without a catalytic converter smell like? ›

The combustion of your car's engine can produce sulfur dioxide, which drivers report as a horrible, strong rotten egg smell. When your catalytic converter is failing or stolen, it cannot filter these emissions—allowing the pungent sulfur dioxide smell to carry through your exhaust.

Can you run a car with a bad catalytic converter? ›

Driving with Bad Catalytic Converter

If you come across some of these problems while driving, you need to have them repaired because they could cause problems for your powerplant. These issues could cause total engine failure, something a lot worse than some horrible smells or noises.

What does a car sound like without a catalytic converter? ›

The first sign of a stolen catalytic converter is incredibly loud vehicle noises. You will find that when driving without your catalytic converter, it will sound like your vehicle is roaring—especially when starting or giving it gas.

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