Catalytic converter theft has been on the rise in recent years. These emissions control devices contain precious metals that can be extracted and sold for high profits. This has led to an increase in thefts, often targeting vehicles that are easy targets. But where exactly do these stolen catalytic converters end up?
Why are catalytic converters targeted by thieves?
Catalytic converters contain small amounts of precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium that help filter pollutants from a vehicle’s exhaust system. The values of these metals have skyrocketed in recent years, making catalytic converters an attractive target for thieves:
- Rhodium – Rhodium is the most valuable component in a catalytic converter and has seen prices rise from $640 per ounce in 2016 to over $14,000 per ounce in 2021.
- Palladium – Palladium prices rose from around $550 per ounce in 2016 to over $2,800 per ounce in 2021.
- Platinum – Platinum prices doubled from around $900 per ounce in 2016 to around $1,100 per ounce in 2021.
These rising values have led to a surge in catalytic converter thefts. Some vehicles are more frequently targeted than others based on the type of metals they contain:
- Hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius tend to use more rhodium and are heavily targeted.
- Trucks and SUVs sit higher off the ground, making their catalytic converters easier to access quickly.
- Vehicles from the early 2000s use a higher content of precious metals compared to newer converters.
Thieves can sell stolen catalytic converters to scrap metal dealers or recyclers for a quick profit. Unscrupulous buyers may not ask questions about where the parts came from.
How do thieves steal catalytic converters?
Catalytic converter thieves typically use the following methods:
- Cutting exhaust pipes: Thieves slide under a targeted vehicle and use a battery-powered reciprocating saw to cut through the exhaust pipes and remove the converter.
- Unbolting the converter: In some cases, thieves unbolt the converter from the exhaust system rather than cutting it.
- Targeting parked vehicles: Public parking lots are often targeted, with thieves able to slide under vehicles and remove converters quickly, often in less than a minute.
- Theft from dealership lots: There have been reports of coordinated thefts from auto dealer inventory lots.
These methods allow thieves to steal converters quickly at night or in areas with low visibility. Thefts are often not noticed until the vehicle is started and the owner hears the loud roaring noises of the unmuffled exhaust.
Where do stolen catalytic converters ultimately end up?
Once stolen, catalytic converters will change hands several times before the precious metals are extracted. Some key destinations include:
- Scrap yards: Thieves sell converters directly to scrap yards or recyclers for an immediate cash payout. Reputable businesses won’t accept questionable parts, but some unscrupulous dealers will buy them no questions asked.
- Black market brokers: Larger scale theft rings sell to black market brokers who specialize in catalytic converter trafficking. These brokers buy large quantities and then sell to refiners.
- Recycling and refining companies: After passing through brokers, converters end up at recycling and refining companies. These firms extract and refine the precious metals for sale into legitimate markets.
- Online sales: Illicit sales also occur on websites like Craigslist, eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Buyers may inadvertently purchase stolen converters this way.
Domestic refiners and exporters
Within the United States, there are recyclers and refiners that specialize in reclaiming metals from catalytic converters. However, many stolen converters are also exported overseas:
- Exporters in ports such as Los Angeles, Houston and New York ship containers filled with converters to countries including China and Nigeria.
- Converters are sold to refineries in places like China which specialize in precious metal reclamation from car parts.
- The metals extracted end up in consumer products like jewelry and electronics manufactured in Asia and Africa.
Exporting makes tracing stolen converters more difficult for U.S. authorities. Shipping records may list containers filled with scrap automotive parts rather than specifically catalytic converters. Exporters located outside the U.S. are also beyond the reach of American law enforcement and regulators.
Efforts to combat catalytic converter theft
Law enforcement and legislators are taking steps to curb the rampant catalytic converter theft trend:
- States like Minnesota, Georgia and Oregon have introduced bills regulating the scrap metal trade and how converters can be sold.
- Converters must be matched to a vehicle or seller’s documentation in states like California and Rhode Island.
- Strict record keeping and junkyard inspections make it riskier for unscrupulous dealers to traffic in stolen parts.
- Police set up bait vehicle programs to catch thieves in the act and trace parts back through black market networks.
- Businesses and individuals are engraving VIN numbers on converters to allow identification of stolen parts.
However, recycling companies and trade groups like the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) oppose some of these legislative efforts as too restrictive. Finding the right balance continues to be a challenge.
The high value of precious metals inside converters will likely continue making them an attractive target. Persistent theft networks adapt to new laws and enforcement tactics. Ongoing consumer awareness and prevention efforts will be crucial to protect vehicles.
Conclusion
Catalytic converter theft has surged due to rising precious metal values. These parts contain small amounts of platinum, palladium and rhodium that make them lucrative to thieves. Stolen converters move through various hands before ultimately arriving at recycling and refining companies. Their precious metals are extracted and sold into global markets, often overseas. Authorities continue targeting theft networks and working with industry to implement tracking and prevention measures. But the easy money to be made from stealing catalytic converters means the problem may get worse before it gets better. Vehicle owners should remain vigilant about protecting their vehicles from converter theft.