Walnut Creek Reports 10 Catalytic Converter Thefts Monday, Brentwood Police Warn Residents

The Brentwood Police Department sent out information to Brentwood residents reminding the community to be vigilant in crime prevention efforts.

According to Brentwood Police, the City of Walnut Creek had 10 calls Monday regarding thefts of catalytic converters. Of the thefts, Toyotas were the vehicle of choice (2 Tundra’s and 8 Sequoias). The thefts occurred between 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.

Police provided the following information on Catalytic Converter Theft and crime prevention tips. They also say that if something does not seem right, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1.

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 $50 per converter for the precious metals inside them. But certain converters they will pay up to $250. Victims pay an average of $1000 (or an average $250/$500 insurance deductible) to get the converter(s) replaced. It can cost as much as $4000 however.

 What vehicles are targeted by Catalytic Converter thieves?
Any vehicle manufactured after 1974 can be a target. However, Trucks and SUV s (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. Toyota Trucks and SUV’ in the 90’s to the late 2000’s are especially vulnerable, because the Catalytic Converters are more exposed than the average converter. The thieves can quickly unbolt/cut out the converter in minutes. Some of the larger Toyota trucks and SUV’s have 2 Catalytic Converters as well.

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.

Auto dealer lots
Brand new vehicles on a Dealer Lot are targeted. The thieves have all night to steal popular Catalytic Converters while the new vehicles sit in their parking lot. Dealers have seen up to 20 Catalytic Converters taken in a night.

Hardware and convenience store parking lots
Vehicles parked in large open Hardware I Convenience Store parking lots are targeted . A look-out will often watch out as a thief takes the Catalytic Converter.

Semi-trucks that transport autos
Vehicles are targeted while they are on semi-truck trailers that transport autos. Thieves can easily get underneath the vehicles to remove the Catalytic Converters

Tips on how to help prevent your Catalytic Converter from being taken:

1.  The #1 way to protect your vehicles Catalytic Converter is to park your vehicle(s) inside a garage or in a secure side
2.  If you must park your vehicle in the driveway, motion detector lights or continuous lights illuminating your driveway may be a deterrent. Also, getting a vehicle motion detector alarm might
3.  Look for suspicious people and vehicles in your 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 do so safely. If the crime is in progress, call 911. If the crime is not in progress, call dispatch on the Brentwood Police Department non-emergency number (778-2441) with the information.
4.  Educate your friends and neighbors about Catalytic Converter theft so they can be a look-out

If you have a vehicle with an accessible and highly desirable Catalytic Converter a thief would want to steal we suggest the following:

1. Get your Catalytic Converter etched with your vehicle license plate number. The Brentwood Police Department recently facilitated an “Etch and Catch” Program at the SpeeDee Lube and Oil change on Brentwood Blvd. This event was well attended and we plan to facilitate another event in the near future.
2. Have extra metal welded to your exhaust system – Muffler shops are offering creative ways to protect your Catalytic Converter. They weld on metal 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).
3. Install a Catalytic Converter Protection Device – There are devices on the market that will clamp/go around your Catalytic Converter. Devices are often more expensive than welding extra metal, but for some this is the option they prefer.

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.