Catalytic Converter Thefts Up, How To Protect Your Car In Solon

SOLON, OH — Catalytic converter thefts are up nationwide and in Ohio, according to travel organization AAA. Solon police have tips to protect your vehicles from criminals.

Catalytic converters control vehicle emissions, converting pollutants into less toxic gasses, AAA said. Thieves target these devices because they usually contain valuable metals, like platinum, palladium or rhodium.

In 2018, there was an average of 108 catalytic converter thefts per month, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The crime became more common in 2019 and 2020 before peaking in Dec. 2020, when there were 2,347 thefts.

“Thieves can remove a catalytic converter in a matter of minutes, and leave the vehicle owner with a hefty repair bill,” said Steve Miller, ASE certified technician and manager of the Grandview AAA Car Care Plus. “It can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to replace a catalytic converter, depending on the vehicle. Plus, you’ll often have additional damage that needs to be repaired when thieves hastily remove catalytic converters from cars.”

Catalytic converter thefts haven't been as common in Solon — police have investigated two such thefts in recent months, according to Lt. Bill Vajdich.

"Our residential and retail areas do not typically see this kind of action. Basically suspects hit places where they expect commercial trucks to be present. They strike late at night/ early morning, when facilities are closed," Vajdich said in an email to Patch.

Tips from Solon police:

• Install video surveillance of parking lots.
• If you can afford it, install a property access gate.
• Park vehicles in well lit, well trafficked areas

In Solon, residents are more likely to be victims of crimes of opportunity, primarily thieves striking when cars are left unlocked overnight.

"Not only do opportunistic criminals take what they want from the unlocked vehicles, but they can get access to house keys and garage door openers from them. This can lead to additional theft and the feeling of being unsafe in your own home. A car thief will usually bypass a car that is locked in favor of a vehicle with no protection. Car thieves also know that many people leave their keys inside their cars. Lock it to stop it," Vajdich said.