1. Q. What is Etch and Catch?
A. Etch and Catch is a free community event that is available through the Rocklin Police Department (and any other law enforcement agency that would like to host an event) where we etch the vehicle's license plate number to the catalytic converter. We then spray a bright white colored high heat durable spray paint around the license plate number. We then provide the owner of the vehicle with a bright yellow sticker that reads "This vehicle's catalytic converter has been etched by the Rocklin Police Dept."
We have many goals at Etch and Catch.
One goal is to have the the etching, the spray paint, and the sticker act as a deterrent and keep a thief from stealing the catalytic converter in the first place.
Another goal is that if the catalytic converter is actually stolen, then the etching and the spray paint will act as a beacon to any officer who comes across that particular catalytic converter and make it easy to identify a victim and arrest the thief.
Yet another goal, is that is that if the catalytic converter should make it to a recycler (or other type of receiver), then they might think twice about receiving the stolen catalytic converter because they will not be able to claim they did not know the catalytic converter was stolen. This might make selling the catalytic converter to be too much work and possibly deter a thief from stealing other catalytic converters with the etching and/or the paint in the future.
Finally, another goal is to have as many people from all around the region get their catalytic converter etched. The crime of catalytic converter theft is not a Rocklin problem, a regional problem, or even a statewide problem. Catalytic converter theft is actually a national problem. With that in mind, the event hosted by the Rocklin Police Department and Sierra College Auto Club is open to anyone. We look to etch the catalytic converters for all cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, etc. We will etch all makes and models of vehicles.
2. Q. What is the history Etch and Catch?
A. I do not know who came up with the idea of Etch and Catch first, but it was a great idea to assist with combating the crime of catalytic converter theft. I first learned of Etch and Catch in 2008 when I was a detective in Citrus Heights. We were having a lot of reported thefts, 76 in the first 6 months of the year in 2008. I heard the Rocklin Police Department had just hosted an Etch and Catch event in Rocklin. I also heard they had learned of the idea from the El Segundo Police Department, in southern California.
We at the Citrus Heights Police Department took Etch and Catch a step further and gathered local business support and hosted our own event that we called "Operaion Branding Iron." We likened the event to the days of the wild west when ranchers branded their cattle to protect the cattle from rustlers. We did the same thing for the community's catalytic converters, as cattle and catalytic converters are unidentifiable property without the etching/branding. The local businesses provided the location to conduct the event and the the equipment necessary to etch the catalytic converters. During that event, we took the etching a step further and spray painted the catalytic converters with a bright white high heat spray paint. The goal was to have the etching and the spray paint visible to the thieves in an attempt to serve as a deterrent. If the thief stole the catalytic converter anyway, then the etching and the spray paint would possibly alert the police, if they happened to come across a suspected thief who was in possession of a catalytic converter, possibly during a traffic stop. If the catalytic converter should make it's way to a recycler, our goal was to have the recycler think twice about receiving the catalytic converter, as it is now identifiable piece of stolen property.
In 2011, I was working for the Rocklin Police Department when I spoke with a resident who asked what we were doing about the recent increase in catalytic converter thefts. The resident said he was not the victim, but his friend was. I spoke with our person in charge of community projects, who put on the last Etch and Catch event in Rocklin in 2008, and we decided we needed to begin the program again, and make it a sustained program.
We got the support of the Chief of Police and began gathering local community support for the program. We have partnered with the Sierra College Auto Club in putting on the event at the Sierra College Auto Shop. We have enlisted the service of Rocklin Police Department Volunteers, the students from the Sierra College Auto Club, the Rocklin Police Department/Sierra College Intern Program, and the Sierra College Police Academy to put this event on. We have also enlisted the services of our local business who provide the equipment to do the etching and food to feed all of our volunteers. The Etch and Catch program has always been available to anyone from around the region. It does not matter to the Rocklin Police Department where you live, work, or play as everyone is a potential victim and we want to serve all of you.
We took the Etch and Catch event further by having one of our sponsors make bright yellow stickers with the statement "This vehicle's catalytic converter was etched by the Rocklin Police Dept." These stickers can be affixed to the outside of the window in plain view of potential thieves. We recommend affixing it to the lower portion of the rear window on the driver's side. This way the sticker will be viewable whether the vehicle is parked in a driveway, on the street, or in a parking stall.
Recently, we have taken the Etch and Catch program a step further. We now pick a non-profit organization from the Placer County area to sponsor. Our sponsors donate items to the Etch and Catch event and while you wait for your vehicle, you have the opportunity to buy tickets for a drawing. Some of our sponsors have made direct donations to the non-profit organization. All the proceeds from the drawing go directly to the local non-profit organization in support of their needs and services.
In 2012, The Rocklin Police Department hosted 3 events. Two of those events were in partnership with the Sierra College Auto Club. Because of the success of the crime and the always existing possibility of catalytic converter theft, an event is held twice per year; one event during the Sierra College Fall Semester and one event during the Sierra College Spring Semester.
Since we began hosting the Etch and Catch events at the Rocklin Police Department n 2012, we have been contacted by Police/Sheriff's Departments from around the region asking us what we have done and for guidance in getting started with their own programs. Since then, the Sacramento Police Department, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, and the Folsom Police Department all put on their own events in 2012. The Citrus Heights Police Department hosted their own event in 2013. In 2013, The Roseville Police Department began a program that partnered with 3 local business who would provide the etching service any time, free of charge. With all of these departments around the region getting involved, we will hopefully create enough of a deterrent to the thieves and make them think twice about stealing from our communities. And, if they choose to do so, then maybe we will be able to increase the number of arrests and prosecutions because of the etchings.
3. Q. What is a catalytic converter?
A. A Catalytic Converter, from certain points, looks a lot like a small muffler. It is made up of expensive metals and they go in vehicle exhaust systems. Catalytic Converters can be found in all engine-fitted devices.
4. Q. What vehicles have a catalytic converter?
A. If your car is dated 1980 and up and it has a motor, it definitely has a Catalytic Converter.
5. Q. What makes a catalytic converter valuable?
A. Most people wonder what makes Catalytic Converter so valuable. It is mostly due to the fact that three precious metals use to create this device. Platinum is most commonly used, but Palladium and Rhodium are also used. Currently the price of platinum is $1,603 per ounce, palladium is $773 per ounce, and rhodium is $1,200. Thieves can get over $100 for each converter stolen.
6. Q. Why does a thief want to steal my catalytic converter?
A. Thieves like to steal catalytic converters as with other types of metal, because they are readily available, as vehicles from the past 20 years all have catalytic converters, they are not identifiable without a serial number or owner applied number, and the precious metals inside the catalytic converter make it profitable to both the thief and the receiver.
7. Q. Will etching my catalytic converter prevent a thief from stealing my catalytic converter?
A. No. However, etching your catalytic can be a deterrence. One reason thieves target catalytic converters is because they are unidentifiable after they are removed from the vehicle. This allows the thief to transport and sell the catalytic converter without having to worry about it being detected by police as being stolen. Etching your catalytic converter with your vehicle's license plate number and spray painting it might prove to be a deterrence because now the thief will have to make sure to hide that particular catalytic converter to avoid detection and it just might be more trouble and risk than what it is worth. After all, there are many other vehicles with catalytic converters that are not etched and painted.
8. Q. Will parking my vehicle in my garage prevent somebody from stealing my catalytic converter?
A. No. It will if you never drive your vehicle anywhere and park it. Otherwise your catalytic converter is always susceptible to being stolen any time it is parked and left alone.
9. Q. I had rebar welded to my catalytic converter/exhaust system, do I still need to have it etched?
A. Yes. Welding rebar onto the catalytic converter/exhaust system is a great idea and a great deterrent. However it will not prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen. It will slow the thief down, but it will not stop them, especially if your vehicle is parked in an unsecured area for any extended period of time. Etching your catalytic converter however, will provide workable opportunities for the police to locate your catalytic converter and arrest and prosecute the thieves. Rebar will not do that. For example, if a thief steals 10 catalytic converters and 6 of them have rebar welded to it, then how will you positively identify which one is yours, if any of them are at all? If you want to weld the rebar, then do them both.
10. Q. I had a cage installed to my catalytic converter/exhaust system, do I still need to have it etched?
A. Yes. Installing a cage onto the catalytic converter/exhaust system is a great idea and a great deterrent. However it will not prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen. It will slow the thief down, but it will not stop them, especially if your vehicle is parked in an unsecured area for any extended period of time. Etching your catalytic converter however, will provide workable opportunities for the police to locate your catalytic converter and arrest and prosecute the thieves. Cages will not do that and can be removed. For example, if a thief steals 10 catalytic converters and 6 of them have cages attached, then how will you positively identify which one is yours, if any of them are at all? If you want to install a cage, then do them both.
11. Q. I purchased an alarm for my catalytic converter from a muffler shop, do I still need to have it etched?
A. Yes. Installing an alarm onto the catalytic converter/exhaust system is a great idea and a great deterrent. However it will not prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen, especially if your vehicle is parked in an unsecured area for any extended period of time. Etching your catalytic converter however, will provide workable opportunities for the police to locate your catalytic converter and arrest and prosecute the thieves. Alarms will not do that and can be removed and/or disabled. For example, if a thief steals 10 catalytic converters and 6 of them have alarms attached, then how will you positively identify which one is yours, if any of them are at all? If you want to install an alarm, then do them both.
12. Q. I have a passenger car, do I need to have my catalytic converter etched?
A. Yes. Having a passenger vehicle makes it difficult for a thief to steal your catalytic converter while it is parked in front of your house or even in a parking lot for an extended period of time. However, if you have a passenger vehicle that can be stolen, then you should have your catalytic converter etched. Car thieves steal vehicles for three primary reasons; one is to get themselves from point A to point B. Another is to commit crimes while being undetected. Yet, another reason is to strip the vehicle and sell the parts. If the thief steals your passenger vehicle for the parts, then there is a great likelihood that they will take your catalytic converter also. Now, if the thief or whoever the thief sells the catalytic converter to, is found by police to be in possession of the etched catalytic converter, then the police can arrest the suspect for being in possession of the stolen catalytic converter and follow up on the lead of who sold the stolen catalytic converter. It could possibly provide the leads necessary to identify the thief who stole vehicle in the first place.
13. Q. Now that I have gotten my vehicle's catalytic converter etched, where do I place the yellow sticker I received?
A. We recommend affixing it to the lower portion of the rear window on the driver's side. This will make the sticker clearly visible if you are parked on the street, in your driveway, or in a parking stall; that is unless you back in to any of those parking spaces. The whole idea of the sticker is to be a deterrent. The only way the sticker can effectively deter someone from going under your vehicle to steal your catalytic converter is to make it visible, preferably before the thief even gets out of their vehicle.k here to edit.
A. Etch and Catch is a free community event that is available through the Rocklin Police Department (and any other law enforcement agency that would like to host an event) where we etch the vehicle's license plate number to the catalytic converter. We then spray a bright white colored high heat durable spray paint around the license plate number. We then provide the owner of the vehicle with a bright yellow sticker that reads "This vehicle's catalytic converter has been etched by the Rocklin Police Dept."
We have many goals at Etch and Catch.
One goal is to have the the etching, the spray paint, and the sticker act as a deterrent and keep a thief from stealing the catalytic converter in the first place.
Another goal is that if the catalytic converter is actually stolen, then the etching and the spray paint will act as a beacon to any officer who comes across that particular catalytic converter and make it easy to identify a victim and arrest the thief.
Yet another goal, is that is that if the catalytic converter should make it to a recycler (or other type of receiver), then they might think twice about receiving the stolen catalytic converter because they will not be able to claim they did not know the catalytic converter was stolen. This might make selling the catalytic converter to be too much work and possibly deter a thief from stealing other catalytic converters with the etching and/or the paint in the future.
Finally, another goal is to have as many people from all around the region get their catalytic converter etched. The crime of catalytic converter theft is not a Rocklin problem, a regional problem, or even a statewide problem. Catalytic converter theft is actually a national problem. With that in mind, the event hosted by the Rocklin Police Department and Sierra College Auto Club is open to anyone. We look to etch the catalytic converters for all cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, etc. We will etch all makes and models of vehicles.
2. Q. What is the history Etch and Catch?
A. I do not know who came up with the idea of Etch and Catch first, but it was a great idea to assist with combating the crime of catalytic converter theft. I first learned of Etch and Catch in 2008 when I was a detective in Citrus Heights. We were having a lot of reported thefts, 76 in the first 6 months of the year in 2008. I heard the Rocklin Police Department had just hosted an Etch and Catch event in Rocklin. I also heard they had learned of the idea from the El Segundo Police Department, in southern California.
We at the Citrus Heights Police Department took Etch and Catch a step further and gathered local business support and hosted our own event that we called "Operaion Branding Iron." We likened the event to the days of the wild west when ranchers branded their cattle to protect the cattle from rustlers. We did the same thing for the community's catalytic converters, as cattle and catalytic converters are unidentifiable property without the etching/branding. The local businesses provided the location to conduct the event and the the equipment necessary to etch the catalytic converters. During that event, we took the etching a step further and spray painted the catalytic converters with a bright white high heat spray paint. The goal was to have the etching and the spray paint visible to the thieves in an attempt to serve as a deterrent. If the thief stole the catalytic converter anyway, then the etching and the spray paint would possibly alert the police, if they happened to come across a suspected thief who was in possession of a catalytic converter, possibly during a traffic stop. If the catalytic converter should make it's way to a recycler, our goal was to have the recycler think twice about receiving the catalytic converter, as it is now identifiable piece of stolen property.
In 2011, I was working for the Rocklin Police Department when I spoke with a resident who asked what we were doing about the recent increase in catalytic converter thefts. The resident said he was not the victim, but his friend was. I spoke with our person in charge of community projects, who put on the last Etch and Catch event in Rocklin in 2008, and we decided we needed to begin the program again, and make it a sustained program.
We got the support of the Chief of Police and began gathering local community support for the program. We have partnered with the Sierra College Auto Club in putting on the event at the Sierra College Auto Shop. We have enlisted the service of Rocklin Police Department Volunteers, the students from the Sierra College Auto Club, the Rocklin Police Department/Sierra College Intern Program, and the Sierra College Police Academy to put this event on. We have also enlisted the services of our local business who provide the equipment to do the etching and food to feed all of our volunteers. The Etch and Catch program has always been available to anyone from around the region. It does not matter to the Rocklin Police Department where you live, work, or play as everyone is a potential victim and we want to serve all of you.
We took the Etch and Catch event further by having one of our sponsors make bright yellow stickers with the statement "This vehicle's catalytic converter was etched by the Rocklin Police Dept." These stickers can be affixed to the outside of the window in plain view of potential thieves. We recommend affixing it to the lower portion of the rear window on the driver's side. This way the sticker will be viewable whether the vehicle is parked in a driveway, on the street, or in a parking stall.
Recently, we have taken the Etch and Catch program a step further. We now pick a non-profit organization from the Placer County area to sponsor. Our sponsors donate items to the Etch and Catch event and while you wait for your vehicle, you have the opportunity to buy tickets for a drawing. Some of our sponsors have made direct donations to the non-profit organization. All the proceeds from the drawing go directly to the local non-profit organization in support of their needs and services.
In 2012, The Rocklin Police Department hosted 3 events. Two of those events were in partnership with the Sierra College Auto Club. Because of the success of the crime and the always existing possibility of catalytic converter theft, an event is held twice per year; one event during the Sierra College Fall Semester and one event during the Sierra College Spring Semester.
Since we began hosting the Etch and Catch events at the Rocklin Police Department n 2012, we have been contacted by Police/Sheriff's Departments from around the region asking us what we have done and for guidance in getting started with their own programs. Since then, the Sacramento Police Department, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, and the Folsom Police Department all put on their own events in 2012. The Citrus Heights Police Department hosted their own event in 2013. In 2013, The Roseville Police Department began a program that partnered with 3 local business who would provide the etching service any time, free of charge. With all of these departments around the region getting involved, we will hopefully create enough of a deterrent to the thieves and make them think twice about stealing from our communities. And, if they choose to do so, then maybe we will be able to increase the number of arrests and prosecutions because of the etchings.
3. Q. What is a catalytic converter?
A. A Catalytic Converter, from certain points, looks a lot like a small muffler. It is made up of expensive metals and they go in vehicle exhaust systems. Catalytic Converters can be found in all engine-fitted devices.
4. Q. What vehicles have a catalytic converter?
A. If your car is dated 1980 and up and it has a motor, it definitely has a Catalytic Converter.
5. Q. What makes a catalytic converter valuable?
A. Most people wonder what makes Catalytic Converter so valuable. It is mostly due to the fact that three precious metals use to create this device. Platinum is most commonly used, but Palladium and Rhodium are also used. Currently the price of platinum is $1,603 per ounce, palladium is $773 per ounce, and rhodium is $1,200. Thieves can get over $100 for each converter stolen.
6. Q. Why does a thief want to steal my catalytic converter?
A. Thieves like to steal catalytic converters as with other types of metal, because they are readily available, as vehicles from the past 20 years all have catalytic converters, they are not identifiable without a serial number or owner applied number, and the precious metals inside the catalytic converter make it profitable to both the thief and the receiver.
7. Q. Will etching my catalytic converter prevent a thief from stealing my catalytic converter?
A. No. However, etching your catalytic can be a deterrence. One reason thieves target catalytic converters is because they are unidentifiable after they are removed from the vehicle. This allows the thief to transport and sell the catalytic converter without having to worry about it being detected by police as being stolen. Etching your catalytic converter with your vehicle's license plate number and spray painting it might prove to be a deterrence because now the thief will have to make sure to hide that particular catalytic converter to avoid detection and it just might be more trouble and risk than what it is worth. After all, there are many other vehicles with catalytic converters that are not etched and painted.
8. Q. Will parking my vehicle in my garage prevent somebody from stealing my catalytic converter?
A. No. It will if you never drive your vehicle anywhere and park it. Otherwise your catalytic converter is always susceptible to being stolen any time it is parked and left alone.
9. Q. I had rebar welded to my catalytic converter/exhaust system, do I still need to have it etched?
A. Yes. Welding rebar onto the catalytic converter/exhaust system is a great idea and a great deterrent. However it will not prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen. It will slow the thief down, but it will not stop them, especially if your vehicle is parked in an unsecured area for any extended period of time. Etching your catalytic converter however, will provide workable opportunities for the police to locate your catalytic converter and arrest and prosecute the thieves. Rebar will not do that. For example, if a thief steals 10 catalytic converters and 6 of them have rebar welded to it, then how will you positively identify which one is yours, if any of them are at all? If you want to weld the rebar, then do them both.
10. Q. I had a cage installed to my catalytic converter/exhaust system, do I still need to have it etched?
A. Yes. Installing a cage onto the catalytic converter/exhaust system is a great idea and a great deterrent. However it will not prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen. It will slow the thief down, but it will not stop them, especially if your vehicle is parked in an unsecured area for any extended period of time. Etching your catalytic converter however, will provide workable opportunities for the police to locate your catalytic converter and arrest and prosecute the thieves. Cages will not do that and can be removed. For example, if a thief steals 10 catalytic converters and 6 of them have cages attached, then how will you positively identify which one is yours, if any of them are at all? If you want to install a cage, then do them both.
11. Q. I purchased an alarm for my catalytic converter from a muffler shop, do I still need to have it etched?
A. Yes. Installing an alarm onto the catalytic converter/exhaust system is a great idea and a great deterrent. However it will not prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen, especially if your vehicle is parked in an unsecured area for any extended period of time. Etching your catalytic converter however, will provide workable opportunities for the police to locate your catalytic converter and arrest and prosecute the thieves. Alarms will not do that and can be removed and/or disabled. For example, if a thief steals 10 catalytic converters and 6 of them have alarms attached, then how will you positively identify which one is yours, if any of them are at all? If you want to install an alarm, then do them both.
12. Q. I have a passenger car, do I need to have my catalytic converter etched?
A. Yes. Having a passenger vehicle makes it difficult for a thief to steal your catalytic converter while it is parked in front of your house or even in a parking lot for an extended period of time. However, if you have a passenger vehicle that can be stolen, then you should have your catalytic converter etched. Car thieves steal vehicles for three primary reasons; one is to get themselves from point A to point B. Another is to commit crimes while being undetected. Yet, another reason is to strip the vehicle and sell the parts. If the thief steals your passenger vehicle for the parts, then there is a great likelihood that they will take your catalytic converter also. Now, if the thief or whoever the thief sells the catalytic converter to, is found by police to be in possession of the etched catalytic converter, then the police can arrest the suspect for being in possession of the stolen catalytic converter and follow up on the lead of who sold the stolen catalytic converter. It could possibly provide the leads necessary to identify the thief who stole vehicle in the first place.
13. Q. Now that I have gotten my vehicle's catalytic converter etched, where do I place the yellow sticker I received?
A. We recommend affixing it to the lower portion of the rear window on the driver's side. This will make the sticker clearly visible if you are parked on the street, in your driveway, or in a parking stall; that is unless you back in to any of those parking spaces. The whole idea of the sticker is to be a deterrent. The only way the sticker can effectively deter someone from going under your vehicle to steal your catalytic converter is to make it visible, preferably before the thief even gets out of their vehicle.k here to edit.
Here is a little note/training from the Rocklin and Sacramento Police Departments regarding catalytic converters.
Rocklin Police Department posts:
Catalytic Converter Thieves Target SUVs and Trucks
Catalytic converter theft is a nationwide problem and Rocklin is not immune to this trend. Did you know it costs up to $1500 to replace a stolen catalytic converter? If your vehicle has two, you could be out $3000!
The most popular type of vehicles are usually bigger SUVs and trucks with a high clearance that make it easy for thieves to slip underneath. Thieves can remove the converter using a cutting tool or simply unbolting it in a matter of minutes.
High target vehicles include SUVs such as Toyota Sequoia and 4Runner, trucks such as Dodge Ram, Toyota Tacoma and Tundra. Other high clearance vehicle makes and models are also susceptible to thieves.
What are some ways to minimize or prevent catalytic converter theft?
· Park your vehicle in the garage or behind a fenced area when at home. Install motion sensor lighting.
· Park in well-lit, highly visible areas or where there is high foot traffic when out. Park near security cameras, if possible.
· Park defensively. Park high profile vehicles so they are surrounded by low ground clearance vehicles. This may deter thieves by making it harder for them to access the most vulnerable targets.
· Purchase aftermarket catalytic converter theft deterrents.
· Have your catalytic converter etched at Rocklin’s next Etch and Catch Event (coming in March!). Watch for the date via our Rocklin PD app. See our police department web page for downloading instructions
· Visit your local muffler shop and have the converter secured with a couple of pieces of hardened steel welded to the frame.
· Spread community awareness. Thieves often target the same neighborhoods.
If your catalytic converter is stolen, notify the police department immediately and have a report taken.
Sacramento Police Department posts:
This information was created for you by the metal Task Force (Officer Lenard/Officer Yager).
General Catalytic Converter Information :
A Catalytic Converter is a part of the vehicles exhaust system. It helps reduce vehicle pollution. Catalytic Converters are located under a vehicle on the exhaust pipe before the muffler(s). Catalytic Converters, along with copper and other metals, have become a hot commodity for thieves. Catalytic Converter theft has become popular because of their value, relative ease to steal (unbolt or cut out), and their lack of identifying markings. The lack of identification makes it difficult to identify victims and successfully apprehend and prosecute criminals.
Thieves take the stolen Catalytic Converters to metal recyclers. The recyclers pay an average of $120 per converter for the precious metals inside them. Victims pay an average of $1,500 (or an average $250/$500 insurance deductible) to get the converter(s) replaced. But the cost can be as much as $5,000.
What Vehicles are targeted by Catalytic Converter Thieves?
Any vehicle manufactured after 1974 can be a target. However, Trucks and SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) are the vehicles they target the most. They prefer Trucks and SUV’s, because they are higher off the ground and easier to crawl under. Gasoline Toyota Trucks and SUV’s in the 90’s to the late 2000’s AND Diesel Dodge Trucks 2007+ are especially vulnerable. The Catalytic Converters have a higher recyclable value and they are easier to remove. The thieves can quickly unbolt/cut out the converter in minutes.
If your Catalytic Converter has been replaced with an aftermarket Catalytic Converter within the past few years, there is a good chance it won’t be stolen. The new aftermarket Catalytic Converters don’t have as much of the precious metals, so thieves typically don’t take them.
Common Places where Catalytic Converter theft Occurs?
Your Home Driveway or Street Most of the Catalytic Converter thefts occur while your car is parked in your driveway or on the street in front of your house. School / Mall / Hardware & Convenience Store Parking Lots Vehicles parked in large open School, Mall, Hardware & Convenience Store parking lots are susceptible. A look-out will often watch out as a thief takes the Catalytic Converter.
Secluded Areas :
Thieves target remote areas such as Regional Parks, Boat Launch Ramps, and Airports.
Commuter / Car Pool / Park and Ride Lots Vehicles left in Car Pool parking lots are venerable.
Preventive Tips:
Tips on how to help prevent your Catalytic Converter from getting Stolen:
-If you have a vehicle with an accessible and highly desirable factory Catalytic Converter a thief would want to steal (see reverse side to determine), we strongly recommend you get extra metal welded on your exhaust system:
Have extra metal welded to your exhaust system. Muffler shops are now offering an effective way to protect your Catalytic Converter. They weld on metal rods to make it difficult for the Catalytic Converter to be removed. The cost is often less than your insurance deductible and definitely less than the full replacement cost (if you don’t have comprehensive insurance).
-For all vehicles here are the recommended options:
Get your Catalytic Converter etched We suggest getting your Catalytic Converter etched (engraved) with your vehicle license plate number. Our department offers a free “Etch and Catch” event – see our “Etch and Catch” event link on our web page, www.sacpd.org, for more information.
Park in your Garage
One of the best ways to protect your vehicles Catalytic Converter is to park your vehicle(s) inside a garage or in a secure side yard. If you must park your vehicle in the driveway, motion detector lights or continuous lights illuminating your driveway will be a deterrent.
Look for suspicious people and vehicles in your neighborhood. If you see a suspicious person under a vehicle, chances are they are attempting to steal the Catalytic Converter. Get the suspect(s) and/or suspect vehicle descriptions if possible. Write down the license plate of a suspicious vehicle if you can safely. If the crime is in progress, call 911 or the emergency number 916-732-0100. If the crime is not in progress, call our SPD non-emergency number 264-5471 with the information.
Educate your friends and neighbors about Catalytic Converter theft so they can be a look-out too.
What if your Catalytic Converter is stolen?
If your Catalytic Converter is stolen, you will know right away when you start your vehicle. It will sound like you don't have a muffler at all (like loud motorcycle mufflers). It is ok to drive your vehicle directly to a muffler/dealer shop to get the Catalytic Converter replaced. You do not need your vehicle towed to the shop. If your vehicle qualifies (which is based on your make, model, and year of your vehicle), replace your stolen Catalytic Converter with an aftermarket Catalytic Converter. They don’t have nearly the same recyclable value. As a result, it is unlikely the aftermarket Catalytic Converter would get stolen.
**There is a new trend in catalytic converter theft. They are stealing catalytic converters from Dodge Diesel trucks 2007 to 2014. The thieves can remove the converters within minutes. They are only 4 bolts to undo. These catalytic converters have the highest recycle value at $500 per converter. As a result, the theft is almost equal to the Toyota trucks and SUVs now. The replacement cost can be as high as $5,000!
If you are in this high risk category, we strongly suggest getting the welding done around the catalytic converter. It is the best way to protect your converter by far.
Here are the reputable mufflers shops we know are providing the welding:
The 3 Marco Mufflers stores in the County.
Specialized Exhaust & Custom Fabrication in Elk Grove.
end of post
And following up on Sacramento PD's post, you can also look to spot weld the bolts that attach the catalytic converter to the vehicle's exhaust at your dealership or any muffler shop. If you have the opportunity to get the welding done or purchase a cage for your catalytic converter, that is great, but be sure to get the etching and spray painting done first. Any of those other after market add ons can be defeated with a wrench or the proper cutting tool, such as a pipe cutting tool or sawz all, and the only thing that will help in locating victims and arresting/prosecuting the criminal in the long run is the identifying information we etch, your vehicle's license plate number, onto your catalytic converter.
Rocklin Police Department posts:
Catalytic Converter Thieves Target SUVs and Trucks
Catalytic converter theft is a nationwide problem and Rocklin is not immune to this trend. Did you know it costs up to $1500 to replace a stolen catalytic converter? If your vehicle has two, you could be out $3000!
The most popular type of vehicles are usually bigger SUVs and trucks with a high clearance that make it easy for thieves to slip underneath. Thieves can remove the converter using a cutting tool or simply unbolting it in a matter of minutes.
High target vehicles include SUVs such as Toyota Sequoia and 4Runner, trucks such as Dodge Ram, Toyota Tacoma and Tundra. Other high clearance vehicle makes and models are also susceptible to thieves.
What are some ways to minimize or prevent catalytic converter theft?
· Park your vehicle in the garage or behind a fenced area when at home. Install motion sensor lighting.
· Park in well-lit, highly visible areas or where there is high foot traffic when out. Park near security cameras, if possible.
· Park defensively. Park high profile vehicles so they are surrounded by low ground clearance vehicles. This may deter thieves by making it harder for them to access the most vulnerable targets.
· Purchase aftermarket catalytic converter theft deterrents.
· Have your catalytic converter etched at Rocklin’s next Etch and Catch Event (coming in March!). Watch for the date via our Rocklin PD app. See our police department web page for downloading instructions
· Visit your local muffler shop and have the converter secured with a couple of pieces of hardened steel welded to the frame.
· Spread community awareness. Thieves often target the same neighborhoods.
If your catalytic converter is stolen, notify the police department immediately and have a report taken.
Sacramento Police Department posts:
This information was created for you by the metal Task Force (Officer Lenard/Officer Yager).
General Catalytic Converter Information :
A Catalytic Converter is a part of the vehicles exhaust system. It helps reduce vehicle pollution. Catalytic Converters are located under a vehicle on the exhaust pipe before the muffler(s). Catalytic Converters, along with copper and other metals, have become a hot commodity for thieves. Catalytic Converter theft has become popular because of their value, relative ease to steal (unbolt or cut out), and their lack of identifying markings. The lack of identification makes it difficult to identify victims and successfully apprehend and prosecute criminals.
Thieves take the stolen Catalytic Converters to metal recyclers. The recyclers pay an average of $120 per converter for the precious metals inside them. Victims pay an average of $1,500 (or an average $250/$500 insurance deductible) to get the converter(s) replaced. But the cost can be as much as $5,000.
What Vehicles are targeted by Catalytic Converter Thieves?
Any vehicle manufactured after 1974 can be a target. However, Trucks and SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) are the vehicles they target the most. They prefer Trucks and SUV’s, because they are higher off the ground and easier to crawl under. Gasoline Toyota Trucks and SUV’s in the 90’s to the late 2000’s AND Diesel Dodge Trucks 2007+ are especially vulnerable. The Catalytic Converters have a higher recyclable value and they are easier to remove. The thieves can quickly unbolt/cut out the converter in minutes.
If your Catalytic Converter has been replaced with an aftermarket Catalytic Converter within the past few years, there is a good chance it won’t be stolen. The new aftermarket Catalytic Converters don’t have as much of the precious metals, so thieves typically don’t take them.
Common Places where Catalytic Converter theft Occurs?
Your Home Driveway or Street Most of the Catalytic Converter thefts occur while your car is parked in your driveway or on the street in front of your house. School / Mall / Hardware & Convenience Store Parking Lots Vehicles parked in large open School, Mall, Hardware & Convenience Store parking lots are susceptible. A look-out will often watch out as a thief takes the Catalytic Converter.
Secluded Areas :
Thieves target remote areas such as Regional Parks, Boat Launch Ramps, and Airports.
Commuter / Car Pool / Park and Ride Lots Vehicles left in Car Pool parking lots are venerable.
Preventive Tips:
Tips on how to help prevent your Catalytic Converter from getting Stolen:
-If you have a vehicle with an accessible and highly desirable factory Catalytic Converter a thief would want to steal (see reverse side to determine), we strongly recommend you get extra metal welded on your exhaust system:
Have extra metal welded to your exhaust system. Muffler shops are now offering an effective way to protect your Catalytic Converter. They weld on metal rods to make it difficult for the Catalytic Converter to be removed. The cost is often less than your insurance deductible and definitely less than the full replacement cost (if you don’t have comprehensive insurance).
-For all vehicles here are the recommended options:
Get your Catalytic Converter etched We suggest getting your Catalytic Converter etched (engraved) with your vehicle license plate number. Our department offers a free “Etch and Catch” event – see our “Etch and Catch” event link on our web page, www.sacpd.org, for more information.
Park in your Garage
One of the best ways to protect your vehicles Catalytic Converter is to park your vehicle(s) inside a garage or in a secure side yard. If you must park your vehicle in the driveway, motion detector lights or continuous lights illuminating your driveway will be a deterrent.
Look for suspicious people and vehicles in your neighborhood. If you see a suspicious person under a vehicle, chances are they are attempting to steal the Catalytic Converter. Get the suspect(s) and/or suspect vehicle descriptions if possible. Write down the license plate of a suspicious vehicle if you can safely. If the crime is in progress, call 911 or the emergency number 916-732-0100. If the crime is not in progress, call our SPD non-emergency number 264-5471 with the information.
Educate your friends and neighbors about Catalytic Converter theft so they can be a look-out too.
What if your Catalytic Converter is stolen?
If your Catalytic Converter is stolen, you will know right away when you start your vehicle. It will sound like you don't have a muffler at all (like loud motorcycle mufflers). It is ok to drive your vehicle directly to a muffler/dealer shop to get the Catalytic Converter replaced. You do not need your vehicle towed to the shop. If your vehicle qualifies (which is based on your make, model, and year of your vehicle), replace your stolen Catalytic Converter with an aftermarket Catalytic Converter. They don’t have nearly the same recyclable value. As a result, it is unlikely the aftermarket Catalytic Converter would get stolen.
**There is a new trend in catalytic converter theft. They are stealing catalytic converters from Dodge Diesel trucks 2007 to 2014. The thieves can remove the converters within minutes. They are only 4 bolts to undo. These catalytic converters have the highest recycle value at $500 per converter. As a result, the theft is almost equal to the Toyota trucks and SUVs now. The replacement cost can be as high as $5,000!
If you are in this high risk category, we strongly suggest getting the welding done around the catalytic converter. It is the best way to protect your converter by far.
Here are the reputable mufflers shops we know are providing the welding:
The 3 Marco Mufflers stores in the County.
Specialized Exhaust & Custom Fabrication in Elk Grove.
end of post
And following up on Sacramento PD's post, you can also look to spot weld the bolts that attach the catalytic converter to the vehicle's exhaust at your dealership or any muffler shop. If you have the opportunity to get the welding done or purchase a cage for your catalytic converter, that is great, but be sure to get the etching and spray painting done first. Any of those other after market add ons can be defeated with a wrench or the proper cutting tool, such as a pipe cutting tool or sawz all, and the only thing that will help in locating victims and arresting/prosecuting the criminal in the long run is the identifying information we etch, your vehicle's license plate number, onto your catalytic converter.