What to know about soaring Houston catalytic converter thefts in 2022, and how to protect yourself

Catalytic converter thefts have soared in Houston and across the country since the pandemic started, leaving millions of car owners facing repairs that can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars - and

"In recent years, more countries are requiring catalytic converters to reduce air pollution, so there’s a high demand and low volume of these metals," Gamez said."The thefts have occurred more often for at least the past 5 years." As with credit card skimmers and other large-scale thefts, the"cutters" who crawl under vehicles and saw off converters often get the smallest share of the illicit proceeds with the highest risk of arrest, Gamez said. Many have no prior criminal record and are recruited by those further up the value chain that police have struggled to identify.

This year, Houston police received 1,974 reports in January and February, compared to 925 during the same two months last year. If the trend were to continue, it would add up to nearly 16,700 Houstonians having catalytic converters stolen in 2022. But Laviage, whose scrap metal business is located in the Houston city limits, said Turner's gambit is an ineffective strategy because he thinks thieves will simply sell stolen converters elsewhere in Harris County or smuggle them to other cities and states.

Although cars will still function, drivers can tell that their vehicle's converter is missing the moment they turn on the engine from the loud noise that erupts.Some car owners have resorted to spray painting their catalytic converters with heat-resistant neon colors or even engraving their vehicle identification number, hoping it will dissuade thieves.

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