Community Corner
SUV, Truck Catalytic Converter Thefts Rise in La Cañada
Thieves are targeting Honda and Toyota vehicles because the converters are easily removable, authorities say.
Catalytic converter theft, especially involving Toyota and Honda SUVs and pick-up trucks, has repeatedly appeared in neighborhood crime reports recently.
Last week, reported two such thefts occurring near the . Patch also reported similar catalytic converter thefts in the, when two Toyotas and one Honda SUV parked near the YMCA were targeted. The included the theft of two catalytic converters from a Toyota Sequoia.
Patch followed-up with Sgt. Ray Harley of the of the of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept. According to Harley, the pricey auto parts are stolen because they contain small amounts of the valuable metals palladium, rhodium, and platinum. Thieves sell the converters at scrap yards or recycling centers.
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Harley explained that catalytic converter thieves appear to target Toyota SUVs and trucks because “of the ease” of stealing the converters from these models. Harley noted that the high ground clearance allows thieves to easily crawl beneath the vehicles, where the converters are attached with just four bolts.
He noted that it only takes “two to three minutes for a good team of two to four” to steal a catalytic converter. Thieves know exactly where to go under the car and use cordless power tools to remove the bolts.
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Catalytic converters can cost about $1,000, depending on make and model of car. Harley noted that some car owners have taken to welding the converter’s bolts to prevent theft, but lately, many thieves have been using reciprocating saws to instead cut the converters out.
“By using saws, the thieves can bypass almost any attempt to deter a converter’s removal, “ Harley told Patch.
Harley believes that thieves don’t get noticed because they “do such a good job of blending in and appearing as though they are working on their own cars.” Thieves typically also use a lookout to watch for police or others who may know what they are up to.
The public can help law enforcement crack down on these thefts by keeping an eye out at public parking areas and along roadsides for signs of suspicious activity. Harley encourages calling 911 if you see small groups or a “team” around or under a car–especially a Toyota SUV or truck--and the presence of small power tools.
Harley also suggested that owners of the targeted vehicle makes and models etch an identifier, such as a VIN, license plate number, or driver’s license number, into the catalytic converter so that it can be identified if stolen and recovered.