On the CU Boulder campus and around the Denver metro area, police departments have seen an increase in catalytic converter thefts from parked cars. In 2021, six catalytic converter thefts have been reported to CU Boulder Police.
Catalytic converters are designed to convert three harmful compounds in car exhaust—hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides—into harmless compounds that can safely be released into the atmosphere.Ìý
Catalytic converters are targeted for theft because they contain precious metals, such as platinum, palladium or rhodium. They can be sold to scrap yards for up to $200. A replacement can cost vehicle owners up to $2,000.
A catalytic converter is usually bolted or welded to a car. It can take as little as 60 seconds for someone to use a saw or a wrench to remove the converter. In most cases, you won’t know this has happened until you start your car. If the catalytic converter has been removed, your vehicle will make a loud roaring sound that will get louder as you press on the gas pedal.
Thieves look for cars that are higher off the ground because they have to crawl under the car to remove the catalytic converter. They are also looking for cars parked in dark, remote areas of parking lots so they can go undetected.
Consider these tips to help prevent this from happening to you:
- Report someone acting suspiciously in a parking lot, usually at night. This could be looking under different cars and carrying tools.Ìý
- When possible, park in well-lit areas and close to building entrances.
- If you have a car alarm, calibrate it so that it will activate when it detects vibration.
