Catalytic converter theft is still an expensive problem, but the congress wants to do something about it – Jalopnik

Catalytic converters are not stolen with the same stunning speeds as the peak year of 2022, but they are still being cut off under vehicles by thieves who want the precious metals that contain the parts. For example, State Farm reported 45,000 claims in 2022, a figure that fell to 21,000 in 2023 And was on the way to descend considerably in 2024. The decrease is due to the state legislators to come in to make it more difficult to sell the stolen converters, and now The congress has introduced accounts To create a national law.

Here Automotive newsReporting about the support of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) of the legislation:

“Theft of the Katalytic converter is an important national issue for law enforcement, companies and vehicle owners. Federal action is needed to combat this dangerous criminal activity,” said Nada CEO Mike Stanton in a statement. “These thefts not only influence hard -working Americans, but also endanger lives.”

The prevention of automatic recycling theft or part, ACT is designed to reduce catalytic converter thefts by demanding new vehicles that the VIN is stamped on the converter. In this way, law enforcement officers can connect the stolen sharing with vehicles.

Wines – Vehicle identification numbers – really the trick, like both New York and California found When the States required the data to be engraved by dealers or are recorded by Autokerkhof. It was also recommended to etch the owners of their vehicles in the converters, or to do the police departments for them. Protective cages were also a proposed defense against thieves; My aging Honda element is equipped with one of this one since the catalyst was filmed when it was parked in Brooklyn a few years ago in Brooklyn.

Nowadays, even if your converter is less likely to be stolen (much less likely in New York City, with thefts that fall to less than 1,500 in 2024 from more than 8,500 in 2022, According to Gothamist), it remains a lucrative target, thanks to the Platinum, Palladium and Rhodium It can contain. Nada’s press release The endorsement of the accounts of the house and the Senate, the organization says they have two -part support, explained that “stolen catalysts can collect anywhere from $ 20 to $ 350 on the black market, with the replacement costs for vehicle owners on average more than $ 2,500.”

When Automotive news Reported, the Deelwet did not escape the commission process when it was previously rolled out in 2022 (Senate) and 2023 (House). The latter crack in a law was introduced to the Senate earlier this year and the house followed. Financing to identify converters uniquely, would come through a $ 7 million subsidy program, which eliminates the costs for owners.

Ultimately, if the legislation approves and is signed in the law, it will serve as a good example of states that play their role as laboratories for federal action. Those who have tackled the problem have achieved some success, so it is really a case to solidify a national solution and try to prevent a new wave of thefts that make the cars of victims make the terrible sound that everyone who has stolen his converter recognizes (Toyota trucks have been especially popular). Not to mention the discouraging of new thefts, as soon as criminals discover that they can no longer move their stolen parts.