Newton Police Warn Residents Of Catalytic Converter Thefts

NEWTON, MA — Newton police are warning residents of an increase in catalytic converter thefts this year, Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said in a community update Friday.

Catalytic converters are located between the engine and muffler in cars and trucks to convert pollutant gasses into less harmful exhaust. Thieves use electric saws to cut them out in less than three minutes.

Thefts of these devices are rising with the price of the metals used to make them, including platinum, currently selling for approximately $932 an ounce, palladium, selling for $1,866 an ounce, and rhodium, selling for $14,200 an ounce.

Police know of 66 thefts of catalytic converters in the city this year, up from 31 reported through the same period in 2021, Fuller said. Thirteen of these thefts have been reported since Sept. 27 and they are occurring across the city, including West Newton, Nonantum, Newton Corner, Auburndale/Lower Falls, Newtonville, along Route 9, and Newton Centre.

"Without a catalytic converter, cars will start but the engine will be as loud as a car without a muffler,” Fuller said. "But, it’s worse. Driving a car without a catalytic converter is illegal.”

Most comprehensive physical damage car insurance coverage will pay to replace a stolen catalytic converter, which can cost up to $2,000.

Newton police are recommending residents take several steps to protect themselves against these thefts:

• Park in a garage if you have one, or in a well-lit area.
• Park close to a building entrance or the nearest road in public parking lots, making it easier for people to see.
• Consider adding a video surveillance system where you regularly park.
• Adjust the security system on your car, if already installed, to activate from vibration such as what occurs from a thief’s saw.
• Have the catalytic converters welded directly to the car’s frame to prevent easy theft. Have the car’s Vehicle Identification Number number engraved onto the device to prevent easy resale.
• Consider installing a security system designed specifically for catalytic converters.