Catalytic Converter Thefts

Catalytic converter (CC) thefts have received a lot of attention in the media the past few years. Crooks are finding cars in remote parking lots and quickly disassembling the CC to sell the precious metals on the black market, which can fetch up to $800.

These thefts typically happen in parking lots. It could be you are visiting a relative at a hospital, and your car gets nailed. It might be when you park for a concert in a nearby lot. Thieves don’t care whether it’s your personal or work vehicle. All are targets.

While stealing CC’s is more common in big cities, smaller communities are not immune. What should be done? What does H&S Protection recommend?

Vehicle owners should park in well-lit places, or close to the building/facility  they are entering. The bigger question is what large parking lot owners should be doing.

It’s common sense that these lots should install security cameras. Signs should be posted throughout the parking areas that cameras are in use. H&S recommends this approach as a prevention tactic for any business that has CC theft issues.

What other areas provide thieves with an incentive to steal CC’s? Two stand out to us. One is overnight remote parking (think airport parking lots). Another is business vehicle fleet parking. The bigger the vehicle, the more the CC is worth, so fleet trucks are especially vulnerable.

If you need help with an analysis of your parking area to help protect your clients, customers or patients, please give us a call at H&S. We’d be glad to sit down and discuss the best approach to safely cover your parking lot with high quality security cameras. In central Wisconsin, call 715.344.0727. In SE Wisconsin, call 262.574.7777.