Police say, Catalytic Converter Thefts on the Rise in Loop, North Side
By Lauren Klopmeyer, Amanda Michi, Kandace Thomas
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Robert B. , a Bucktown resident, walked out to his car one day in 2010 to find it hadalmost become a victim of catalytic converter theft. But the damage was done.
“The bill for the car was about $2,100. I knew about catalytic converters being stolen but I had hoped it wouldn’t happen to me,” he said.
Robert, drives a Honda Element, which is a common target for catalytic converter thieves due to its high clearance and easy access to the converter.
From Bucktown to Pilsen to Jefferson Park, Catalytic Converter thefts are becoming a prevalent problem throughout Chicago.
“The catalytic converter was created in 1975, as a matter to control pollution,” said LeAnthony Foley, who has been an independent mechanic for 30 years.
“Cars made before the 70’s don’t have catalytic converters but new models do,” said Foley. “They were created to break down carbon monoxide emitted and release less harmful emissions.”
Jim Cornelison, a burglary team tactical officer, says he has seen a rise in these kinds of theft.
“[It] is probably due to the high value of scrap metal during a down economy,” says Cornelison, who works in the 018th district.
Most thieves use a simple saw as their tool of choice, sometimes acting with a counterpart to serve as a distraction while they saw off the converter, which can be found next to the exhaust in the rear of the car.
“Many potential witnesses are deceived by the thieves because they use a ruse to fool citizens into thinking that they have a stalled vehicle with the hood up, parked next to the target vehicle,” said Cornelison. “Meanwhile the offender is under the target vehicle cutting the converter. “
Most of the arrests take place while the thief is caught in the act, some also occur after.
“Arrests are occasionally made when the offender(s) try to sell the converters to scrap yards or when stopped by police when in possession of these converters,” said Cornelison.
Removal of the converter requires quick repair, as driving without it can cause serious damage.
“To replace a catalytic converter, a new one will cost you anywhere between $200 or $1,000,” said Foley. “It depends on the type of car, the model, foreign cars are definitely more costly.”
Foley also pointed out that costs could be more if there was damage to the exhaust system. Thieves have been known to use blowtorches, power saws, whatever it takes to remove them, with little regard to the car.
Ursula Merten’s car was also targeted.
“We have a Honda Element. They tried sawing it off, but they weren’t able to saw it off completely.”
The damage to her vehicle cost $1,100 to repair.
Why Catalytic Converters?
Catalytic converters in newer cars have become a popular target for thieves due to the high priced metals used to make them.
“On average we buy them for about $90 a piece, but that changes with market value on a regular basis,” said Harold Schafer of First American Core, a catalytic converter buyer.
The part gets its value from the platinum, palladium and rhodium found in its material.
Don’t be the next victim
Companies like CatClamp have created anti-theft devices to install on vehicles.
According to the description on the CatClamp website it “creates a durable, tight fitting, rattle proof cage around the converter and locks it to the vehicle chassis up to seven times.”
Victims like Robert have started parking closer to the curb to prevent thieves from getting access to the catalytic converter and exhaust system.
“It makes it a little harder for an amateur to get, a professional is going to get it no matter what a person does.”
Catalytic converter theft is an issue, however it is preventable. Take the necessary steps to protect your vehicle and help neighbors by reporting suspicious activity.
