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Catalytic converter theft!

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scottkp

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I do not know how it is in your neck of the woods, but catalytic converter theft is starting to become a huge issue at our marinas and boat launches. Within the last week, there are reports of dozens of thefts. I suppose places like boat launches are prime spots for thefts.

Just curious what everyone is hearing in their area or what measures folks are taking to prevent theft on their tow vehicle? Assuming nearly everyone on here that tows, tows with a truck or well equipped SUV which I would think would be prime targets since they are easy to crawl under.
 
scottkp said:
I do not know how it is in your neck of the woods, but catalytic converter theft is starting to become a huge issue at our marinas and boat launches. Within the last week, there are reports of dozens of thefts. I suppose places like boat launches are prime spots for thefts.

Just curious what everyone is hearing in their area or what measures folks are taking to prevent theft on their tow vehicle? Assuming nearly everyone on here that tows, tows with a truck or well equipped SUV which I would think would be prime targets since they are easy to crawl under.
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Hey Scott this isn't something new. Back before I retired in 2012 (Cop in the DC area) thieves used to hit the subway station parking lots and steal catalytic converters from multiple vehicles every day. They contain precious metals that are valuable to scrap metal companies by the pound. We used to "sit" on these lots and we locked up alot of people but you can't be everywhere all the time. It doesn't take long to steal. A good sawsall can cut through the pipe on either side and they're gone!!! Where are you from/boat?!?
 
BigKahuna said:
Hey Scott this isn't something new. Back before I retired in 2012 (Cop in the DC area) thieves used to hit the subway station parking lots and steal catalytic converters from multiple vehicles every day. They contain precious metals that are valuable to scrap metal companies by the pound. We used to "sit" on these lots and we locked up alot of people but you can't be everywhere all the time. It doesn't take long to steal. A good sawsall can cut through the pipe on either side and they're gone!!! Where are you from/boat?!?
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Man, I must be living under a rock or have too much faith in humanity - I didn’t know this was a thing! The more I read on the theft of these has the old noodle turning on how to stop it. I see devices to slow down the theft of them but why the heck are the scrap yards allowed to accept/buy stolen goods? Is that not a crime in itself? No lawyer or police officer here, but that in itself appears to be a misdemeanor or felony pending severity (based off my reading haha).

The main lake we boat at is located in Central Ohio.
 
Our daughter had a Honda Element she kept parked on the street near downtown Chicago in a fairly upscale area. They stole her CC, not once, but twice in a 2 month period, $2k+ each time. We bought a purpose made "cage" for it after that, no more problems. There are YT videos of guys doing this to Hondas in less than 45 seconds with a battery SawZall, leaves quite a mess. Honda converters apparently have some platinum in them, which is sought after, so CR-V's and Elements were prime targets (we owned both!).
 
scottkp said:
Man, I must be living under a rock or have too much faith in humanity - I didn’t know this was a thing! The more I read on the theft of these has the old noodle turning on how to stop it. I see devices to slow down the theft of them but why the heck are the scrap yards allowed to accept/buy stolen goods? Is that not a crime in itself? No lawyer or police officer here, but that in itself appears to be a misdemeanor or felony pending severity (based off my reading haha).

The main lake we boat at is located in Central Ohio.
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Scrap yards don't care where they come from. They don't know if they're stolen or not and they don't ask......
 
BigKahuna said:
Scrap yards don't care where they come from. They don't know if they're stolen or not and they don't ask......
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Hey Big K -- In SC, you have to have a permit to sell to a scrap yard. The permit is free, but you have to identify yourself to get it. So scrap yards that follow the law care. Not saying some don't deal on the side without a permit.

"
South Carolina state law now requires that anyone wanting to transport, buy or sell “nonferrous metals” (metals not containing significant quantities of iron or steel, including copper wire, copper clad steel wire, copper pipe, copper bars, copper sheeting, aluminum, a product that is a mixture of aluminum and copper, catalytic converters, and stainless steel beer kegs or containers) must have a permit to do so. This permit is free of charge and must be issued by your local Sheriff's Office in the County that you reside. The permit is valid statewide and expires on the person's birthday of the 2nd calendar year after the permit was issued. The permit must be in your possession while transporting and/or selling "nonferrous metals".

TO OBTAIN A SCRAP METAL/COPPER PERMIT PLEASE HAVE THE FOLLOWING READY:

Driver’s License (original), South Carolina Identification Card (original) or Military Identification Card (original) and the original registration card for the vehicle you will be operating when transporting or buying the metals. For renewals, bring in old Permit and Driver's License, South Carolina Identification Card or Military Identification Card. If the vehicle has changed, bring in new vehicle registration card for the vehicle you will be operating when transporting or buying the metals."

Darlington County, SC
^ not my county, but it was the first response on Google.
 
In Michigan, depending on the commodity and/or amount, sellers must submit to a fingerprint scan. But, it's only an inconvenience for the good guys; the bad guys have workarounds...
 
Converter theft is up in our area too . With the advancement of battery operated tools ( reciprocating saw ) ,much easier now .
Our marina is private and locked ,they would have to enter by water . Probably easier to steal props .
 
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