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Theft of Catalytic Converters is Still on the Rise

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19 January 2024

Theft of Catalytic Converters is Still on the Rise

By Shawn

Your Catalytic Converter is a valuable commodity these days. Not only in the sense of environmental protection but also your "Cat" may be worth up to $1,000 on the black market. Precious metals like Platinum, Palladium, and Rhodium are deposited on a honeycomb-shaped filter that converts dangerous chemicals into inert gases as part of your exhaust system. Shortages in the supply chain for these metals have created opportunity for thieves to make a lot of money!

Luckily Boise Muffler Shop is on the case!

Here are some tips to prevent or reduce the chances you will be the next victim.

Safe Practices

  • Park in well-lit areas and/or in secured parking structures when available.
  • Thieves target parking lots where there are many vehicles to harvest. Back your car into a space that is blocked on 3 sides.
  • Install a vehicle alarm that can detect under carriage activity or motion on the car frame.
  • Get Boise Muffler to install a Catalytic Converter Shield that prevents access to the Catalytic Converter
  • If you are out on the town for an evening, park next a high foot-traffic area, such as a sidewalk.

Catalytic Converter Protection Shields

"Cat" shields are custom made devices that are specific to your make and model. The Catalytic Converter Shield is exactly what is sounds like - a durable metal plate that denies access to the converter itself. While a would-be thief may eventually gain access to the converter, the amount of time required, and the number of tools needed provides a steep deterrent. Thieves are generally armed with only a hacksaw and plan to harvest as many converters as possible from the same location, so chances are excellent that they will simply move on to a different vehicle.

This is a smart investment if you plan on traveling to unfamiliar and populated cities, or leave your vehicle for long periods of time, Larger vehicles are a bigger target because they have larger Catalytic Converters, but Hybrids are also highly valued. Call us and let Boise Muffler secure your Catalytic Converter today!