Posted on 2/25/2020
Castro Valley Catalytic Converter Theft You may have seen on TV that there has been an epidemic of catalytic converter thefts in Northern California. Apparently thieves use power saws to cut off the catalytic converters in the middle of the night. Police estimate that for some vehicles it only takes a few minutes to steal one. Thieves can get, on average $100-$250 for each stolen catalytic converter. In some cases, scrap value might be as high as $450. Targeted Vehicles It appears that Prius Gen 2 is the primary target, because of the ease of removing the converter. Honda Element also appears on the list of likely targets. But any car can be a target. Tips on how to Avoid Catalytic Converter Theft We recommend parking your car in the garage, not leaving it outside when it’s at the mercy of the elements and thieves. If you can’t, try to leave your vehicle near security cameras or in a well-lit or busy area. Next Steps if Your Catalytic Conv ... read more