Number of U.S. catalytic converter thefts 'drastically' undercounted
Previous estimates were largely based on claims data, but Carfax dove into service records to glean the true scope of the problem.
Initial reports underestimated the number of catalytic converters that were stolen in the U.S. during 2022, according to Carfax, which reported the true number is as many as 153,000.
An estimate published in February 2023 put the number of catalytic converter thefts during 2022 at around 77,000.
The new estimate was compiled from millions of service records. Prior reports derived the total from insurance claims data, but Carfax reported that many victims of catalytic converter theft don’t file a claim. Drivers without insurance, those with older vehicles and motorists that don’t carry comprehensive coverage are less likely to file a claim for a stolen catalytic converter.
“Catalytic converters are valuable because of the precious metals in them, which fetch high prices on the black market. Additionally, the part is quickly and easily stolen, however, based on their placement it is not easily obvious when they are taken,” Rich Randazzo, president of Brownyard Claims Management, Inc., previously told PropertyCasualty360.com.
The prices for the precious metals in catalytic converters have been steadily on the rise for years, but have spiked more recently due to the war in Ukraine. As Russia is the world’s leading source of palladium, sanctions against the country have driven up the price, in turn making the crime of catalytic converter theft even more attractive.
Noting catalytic converter theft is a crime of opportunity, Sgt. Matt Casavant of the Maine State Police said in a release: “Parking lots — even ones that were well lit — were getting hit. Car dealerships are getting hit on a regular basis, too. The thieves were so brazen that it didn’t. My kid drives a Subaru and I won’t let her leave her car overnight at the school or other places because it’s a high-value target.”
Vehicle owners can protect against catalytic converter thieves with the following tips courtesy of Carfax:
- Park in a well-lit area.
- Park in your garage if possible, instead of in the driveway or on the street.
- If you must park in a driveway, consider installing motion sensor security lights.
- Install a catalytic converter anti-theft device.
- Have a muffler shop etch your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the converter and spray it with a highly visible, high-heat paint. Doing so enables law enforcement to track converters, which in turn could lead police to the thieves.
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