By Detective Salvador PONCE

I have shared tips regarding burglaries and other thefts – specifically catalytic converter thefts, which account for approximately 60% of the reports we receive on a daily basis. In a previous article I revealed several burglary prevention tips. Now I will explain why thieves target catalytic converters and give readers several tips on how to help deter criminals from stealing them.

Every modern internal combustion engine comes with one or more catalytic converters. This piece of equipment is part of a vehicle’s exhaust system and is located between the engine and the muffler. It reduces the harmful emissions into the atmosphere from gas or diesel engines.

Like burglaries, catalytic converter thefts are a crime of opportunity. It has been my experience that criminals who steal catalytic converters target vehicles that give them a good return for the stolen item. The Toyota Prius is one of the most targeted vehicles. Based on interviews conducted with numerous suspects arrested for catalytic thefts, the going rate on the black market for a Toyota Prius catalytic converter is approximately $1,100. Approximately 70% of the catalytic converters stolen in the local area are from a Toyota Prius; however, other vehicles have been targeted as well.

Here are a few tips to prevent becoming a victim of catalytic converter theft:

Install a catalytic converter plate. Because of the high volume of catalytic converters that get stolen, mechanics have produced a plate cover or cage that goes over the catalytic converter making it extremely difficult to steal it. Because suspects want to be in and out as fast as possible, they will likely move on to another vehicle if they see there is a cage protecting the catalytic converter.

Etch the catalytic converter. Although this may not prevent you from becoming a victim of the theft, it will help law enforcement prosecute criminals. There are instances when law enforcement officers catch suspects with multiple cut catalytic converters. If the catalytic converter is etched, we can quickly identify the victim and prosecute the suspect. 

Park in a well-lit area and install quality cameras. Like having quality lighting and surveillance cameras on your home, this applies to your vehicle as well. Criminals prefer to work in dark areas without cameras. People who have lights and cameras may cause the criminal to look for an easier vehicle.

By using as many of these tips as possible you will reduce the chances of your catalytic converter being stolen. 

Detective Salvador Ponce is a 21-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. He had worked nine years of patrol at Century Station and had been a detective for two years at Compton Station. He has been assigned to Crescenta Valley Station – Detective Bureau for the last year and specializes in burglaries and catalytic converter thefts.