Catalytic converters being targeted by thieves

According to the Chicago Police Department, car catalytic converter thefts are occurring throughout the City. Each converter's street value is high, thus a thief's target. However, there are steps you can take to safeguard your car.

What is a catalytic converter and what is its value?
Each vehicle produced in the U.S. since 1975 was required to have one as part of their exhaust system to reduce pollution-causing emissions. Inside each unit precious metals serve as catalysts; when hot exhaust enters the converter, a chemical reaction occurs that renders toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, into less harmful emissions.

The metals include rhodium, which sells for roughly $9,500 an ounce, while platinum sells for about $2,000.  Scrap yards pay from $100 to $150 per unit because car repair shops now that they can charge between $300 to $1,000 who need to replace their units.

Some business and individual comprehensive car insurance policies covers these repairs. It might be advisable to check whether or not this is covered by your policy.

For what are the thieves looking?
Vehicles that sit higher from the ground, such as trucks, pick-ups and SUVs, are particularly vulnerable to being selected by thieves. They can slide underneath the vehicle without having to jack it up to gain access to the converter. With just a few cuts of a battery-powered saw, the catalytic converter can be stolen in less than a minute.

Catalytic converter thefts typically happen to vehicles that are parked for prolonged periods of time in large lots, such as shopping centers, mass transit commuter lots or company parking lots. Corporate fleets are particularly vulnerable, because thieves can hit multiple vehicles in a single location, shutting down a business for days.

Smart steps for preventing catalytic converter theft
Preventing catalytic converter theft on your vehicle is a matter of common sense and some research:

1. Always park in well-lighted areas.
2. At shopping centers and other similar parking lots, park close the entrance of the building, or near the access road where there's a lot of traffic.
3. If you own or work at a business or factory, park within a fenced area that's busy during the day and secured at night.
4. Engrave your license plate number on the converter to make it traceable. This can act as a catalytic converter theft deterrent and help with local police investigations.
5. Purchase a vehicle security system, and make sure its set to triggered with just the slightest motion.
6. Visit a local muffler shop and have the converter secured to the vehicle's frame with a couple of pieces of hardened steel welded to the frame.
7. Check out the different types of catalytic converter theft deterrent systems at your local auto parts store or online