There has been a sharp uptick in crime, nationwide, since the outbreak of the coronavirus. This includes a 300% rise in calls to Domestic Violence Crisis lines and a surge in internet and telephone scams. The Federal Trade Commission has logged over 8,000 Covid-19 fraud schemes to date. Neighbors have noticed an increase in response time from the Portland Police Bureau. Read more from the Oregonian article.
The theft of catalytic converters (the emission control device under your car or truck) has become one of the latest crime waves. Catalytic converters contain palladium, which can fetch $1,500 to $2,000 per ounce. Vehicles with more clearance underneath them are the most vulnerable, but any car left overnight on the street or on a driveway is an easy target. Thieves can quickly shimmy underneath your SUV, Truck, or Prius and unbolt or cut out the converter.
Here are some tips for preventing this from happening to you, courtesy of the Newark, CA, police department.
- Park your vehicle in a garage or secure side yard.
- Educate your neighbors about catalytic converter theft so they can be a look-out.
- 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). Alternatively, but more expensively, you can install a Catalytic Converter Protection Device.
If your catalytic converter is stolen, you will know as soon you start your vehicle, as it will sound like you have no muffler. First, call the police! Then you can drive your vehicle directly to a muffler/dealer shop to get the converter replaced. No need for a tow. And while you’re at it, get it welded!