ICYMI: Catalytic Converter Thefts Prompt Warning From GCPD

Editor's note: This article was originally published on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022.

GLEN COVE, NY — Vehicle owners beware: Thieves looking to make a quick buck may be eyeing your catalytic converters.

Nine vehicles in Glen Cove had theirs stolen early Wednesday, according to the city's police department. All the vehicles were either Honda Accords or Honda CRVs.

"Thieves target Japanese made vehicles like Hondas Toyota, and Lexus because those vehicles have higher concentrations of valuable metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium contained in their converters," Glen Cove police said in a statement.

During these thefts, police said there were at least three individuals operating out of a small four-door sedan.

"These thieves are using car jacks or just crawling under the vehicle to gain access to the catalytic converter," police said. "Once they are under the vehicle, they are using a battery-powered saw to cut the catalytic converters off."

Motorists may not realize their catalytic converter is missing until they start their vehicle and hear a much-louder-than-normal exhaust sound.

What Are Catalytic Converters And Why Are They Being Stolen?

Found on most gas- and diesel-powered vehicles — between the engine and the muffle — a catalytic converter is a device that turns harmful substances in a car's exhaust into harmless compounds. The small metal chamber resembles a muffler and is designed to reduce harmful emissions.

There are several reasons why catalytic converters get stolen. Like authorities previously said, these devices contain precious metals, like platinum and rhodium.

According to CARFAX.com, platinum was recently trading at $944 per ounce, while rhodium was going for nearly $10,000 per troy ounce.

Car thieves also know there is a high demand from auto body shops and motorists looking to save money on replacement parts, CARFAX.com wrote in a blog post on its website. Sometimes, dodgy repair shops will buy stolen parts but charge their clients for a new one at a much higher price.

A Warning From Glen Cove Police

Hoping to keep thieves at bay, Glen Cove police are encouraging residents to park their vehicles in a garage or a brightly lit area. Residential motion-alert surveillance cameras and motion-detection lights can also be used.

Anyone who observes suspicious activity in their neighborhood should call the Glen Cove Police Department at 516-676-1000.