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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsCatalytic converter thefts spike nationwide as precious metal prices spike
Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise, and the crime increase is fueled by a number of factors. The New York Times reports that police are sounding the alarm on an unusual nationwide surge in cases.
St. Louis catalytic converter thefts were eight times higher in 2020 than years past. Lexington, SC and Wichita, KS both reported triple their typical numbers for 2020. Some cities dont have detailed data available, but in general, the numbers are up across the board.
Prices for the valuable and precious metals needed for emissions controls found inside catalytic converters are rising. The NYT points out two materials found within converters in particular: palladium and rhodium. Palladium was worth about $500/ounce five years ago, but hit $2,875/ounce in 2020. Rhodium was $640/ounce five years ago, but skyrocketed all the way up to $21,900/ounce recently. For some context, the NYT points out that $21,900/ounce is about 12 times the price of gold. Both of these materials are found in catalytic converters, so its no wonder that thieves want them. A greater demand for these metals from countries like China and others with emerging automotive markets that are pushing more emissions controls has pushed the prices up.
In a pandemic-stricken year where more folks than ever are short on money or out of jobs, the increase in thefts could be a sign of the times, too. Many were or will be stuck with massive repair bills to buy a new catalytic converter if their cars is stolen. Meanwhile, the thief is getting a big pay day.
https://autos.yahoo.com/catalytic-converter-thefts-rise-nationwide-201500016.html
a kennedy
(29,672 posts)safeinOhio
(32,688 posts)are cheap.
mr_lebowski
(33,643 posts)RockRaven
(14,972 posts)specifically being targeted for whatever reason. We switched up how we park our cars as a result (our driveway is 1 car wide but longer/deeper) so our Prius can't be seen from the street anymore.
Our neighbor has got a overly sensitive motion sensor on a massive flood light which covers the side of his house and also our driveway. It constantly and randomly turns on when there's nobody around, plus whenever someone is. I used to find it annoying but I guess now I should be grateful. Maybe it will keep the thieves looking for a darker target area.
dawg day
(7,947 posts)The neighbor couldn't figure out why it happened, till they heard about this new theft trend.
madinmaryland
(64,933 posts)LiberalArkie
(15,719 posts)rather than unleaded. And they were cut out because they lowered fuel economy when gas prices were real high.
Squidly
(783 posts)is crack down on the people buying them. Craigslist is full of ads from buyers.
Chainfire
(17,549 posts)And at the same time that he is struggling to keep his small business above water. He can't afford to replace them, so he is driving my truck. Insurance didn't cover the thefts.