Did You Know? Our communities are plagued with catalytic converter theft
All three counties in Delaware have been plagued with thefts of catalytic converters, which contain precious metals having significant monetary value in the scrap metal industry.
Our family has been hit twice by criminals stealing our catalytic converter, the second time occurring only a few months after repairing from the first theft. It’s now six months later and we are still unable to repair our vehicle due to the national backlog for converters.
Delaware legislation HB 296 was signed into law & effective as of 4/28/22:
Summary taken from: Bill Detail - Delaware General Assembly
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=79134
All three counties in Delaware have been plagued with thefts of catalytic converters, which contain precious metals having significant monetary value in the scrap metal industry. This Act adds catalytic converters to the list of items for which scrap metal processors shall create a record and provide information when acquired. Amending Section 24(b)(1) to specifically include catalytic converters as items that the industries regulated by Chapter 23 must report will enhance enforcement of this Chapter and assist law enforcement by providing a mechanism to follow-up on thefts of converters and to obtain solvability factors in the ever-growing trend associated with thefts of converters.
Additional Info that may be helpful to you: RE: Troopers See Increase in Catalytic Converter Thefts - Delaware State Police - State of Delaware
Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft
Always park in well-lit areas when possible.
Park near building entrances, by the nearest access road (if in a public lot), wherever there are the most people and in busy, well-lit areas at night.
Move your car often if parked in one area for a long time
Weld catalytic converter to the car frame to make it more difficult to remove.
If you have one, keep your car in the garage with the door closed when the vehicle is not in use and, if you have the budget for it, video surveillance helps police and deters theft.
Install motion sensitive lights, perhaps under the car? Like if this could be plugged into battery, see:
Security devices are available that attach to the converter, making it harder to steal.
Calibrate security system (if you have one) so sawing vibration sets it off.
Engrave your VIN number onto your catalytic converter to make it easier to identify if it does get stolen (and, I guess, before it's opened up to get the valuable metals inside)
If prevention is unsuccessful the next best tool is:
Real-time public crime reporting providing details and investigative leads
Be alert while walking in public and in large parking lots.
If you see or hear anything, (power tools and saws must be used) call 911 and notify on-site security - if there is any
Later information may also be provided by contacting
Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333
Send a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police
Cars most likely to be targeted
(Besides any car they can easily get to the catalytic converter under)
Below is from: Catalytic Converter Theft: Which Vehicles Are Targeted Most? - CARFAX https://www.carfax.com/blog/catalytic-converter-theft
Which Vehicles Do Catalytic Converter Thieves Target Nationwide?
Nationally, there’s a range of vehicles in play. Not surprisingly, some of the most popular nameplates of the past two decades are among the top targets. What is surprising is that it’s not just one manufacturer, nor just one body style. Targeted vehicles range from small cars such as the Chrysler 200, to SUVs such as the Honda CR-V or Chevy Equinox, all the way up to full-size pickup trucks from Ford and GM.
1985-2021 Ford F-Series pickup trucks (F-150, F-250, etc.)
1989-2020 Honda Accord
2007-17 Jeep Patriot
1990-2022 Ford Econoline vans
1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks
2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox
1997-2020 Honda CR-V
1987-2019 Toyota Camry
2011-17 Chrysler 200
2001-21 Toyota Prius
Catalytic Converter Theft in the South
In the South, there are more sedans in the lineup, including the compact Chevy Cruze and the midsize Dodge Avenger.
1985-2021 Ford F-Series
1989-2020 Honda Accord
2007-17 Jeep Patriot
1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
1990-2022 Ford Econoline
2007-21 Jeep Compass
1993-2020 Nissan Altima
2008-14 Dodge Avenger
2011-17 Chrysler 200
2011-19 Chevrolet Cruze
Catalytic Converter Theft in the Northeast
In the Northeast, it should surprise no one that Subarus appear; they’re ubiquitous on New England roads because of their standard AWD.
985-2021 Ford F-Series
1987-2019 Toyota Camry
1989-2020 Honda Accord
2007-17 Jeep Patriot
1997-2020 Honda CR-V
1998-2020 Subaru Forester
2007-20 Subaru Outback
1990-2022 Ford Econoline
1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
1993-2020 Nissan Altima