Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft in Your Parking Lot

Perhaps you have heard theft of catalytic converters is on the rise. While Sapphire Risk focuses mostly on retail and cannabis security, we try to stay adept of all loss prevention issues. Legislators and police departments are attempting to tackle the issue’s status as a rising type of property crime.

The catalytic converter converts toxic exhaust molecules into environmentally safe molecules. In use since the 1950’s, catalytic converters were instituted to reduce urban smog. A non-electronic device, exhaust air runs through reactive filters before release into the air.

While the vehicle can function without it, this act is generally illegal, and the exhaust system is designed with the reactions in mind leading to loud noises and rough driving. If you park in a closed area such as a garage, the additional toxic gases would quickly pollute the air.

Why Steal the Catalytic Converter?

Catalytic converters are exposed to the exterior of the vehicle; therefore, thieves can execute removals in minutes with simple tools. Theft prevention devices exist, and vehicle-owners can weld the part to the frame; however, these solutions are not common place, cost money, and may inhibit legitimate repairs. Removal may not trigger alarm systems, and the success of engraving a VIN is limited by the integrity of black-market dealers.

As automobile companies struggle with supply chains, perhaps an alternative to catalytic converters will emerge. However, the rarest pieces of the devices dictate black market value of catalytic converters. Unlike tires or radios or other commonly stolen auto parts, catalytic converters contain highly pure precious metals.

How Precious Are We Talking?

Like the word “precious” implies, these metals are not abundant in nature but valued for their material properties. Metals like palladium, platinum, or rhodium all resist oxidation and corrosion AND assist the organic reaction of molecules like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water. Platinum and palladium prices often rival or exceed that of gold. Fortunately, only a thin coating is needed; therefore, catalytic converter prices are manageable for vehicle owners.

Catalytic converters speed up redox reactions, i.e. processes which either release or consume oxygen. Operating at temperatures which would boil water, these metals reduce the activation energy (i.e. the barrier to occurring) for the targeted chemical reactions to occur. Carbon dioxide and water are entropically preferred states to carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, and methane; however, the latter molecules are more stable than the mechanisms which would initiate the conversion in other molecules. Precious metals reduce the activation energy by lending or retrieving electrons, where toxic molecules can bind at the metal surface and encounter oxygen molecules. In theory, catalytic converters should never stop working; in practice, unreactive molecules can coat the surface due to low temperatures or poor engine combustion.

The auto parts industry consumes the most of these metals, but industries including electronics, jewelry, and dentistry increase demand and thus raise prices. Although the catalytic converter lasts up to 100,000 miles in a standard vehicle, the precious metals can be recycled for up to 200,000 miles, matching well with the lifetime of most vehicles, and fetch as much as $700.

Secure Your Parking Lot Against Parts Theft

How should a business owner deter criminal activity at its facility perimeter?

Provide parking spaces close to your store and your security systems. Most of our audience have commercial security systems which can detect faces and license plates.
Have conspicuous camera placement focused on the parking lot. Criminals generally avoid well-surveilled areas. If a theft does occur, law enforcement can monitor for repeat offenders.
Keep the parking lot illuminated such that individuals cannot hide from cameras. Perimeter lighting has several benefits for security.
Have a security guard keep an eye on anyone working on a vehicle. Confirm any potential loiterers have called a roadside service or emergency contact.
Thieves may target raised vehicles since removals are easier
Encourage employees to secure their own catalytic converters. No need to create panic – simply present the tip as advice, especially if you know someone whose vehicle had been tampered with.

How Can Sapphire Risk Help?

Stearns auto parts veteran Tony Gallo and the team of experts and consultants at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group have conducted risk assessments for high-risk businesses, including cannabis dispensaries, pawn shops, jewelry stores, and other businesses. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with more security best practices and cannabis industry updates!

Author

Cannabis Security Consultant Pawn Jewelry Tony Gallo

Leo Falgout is the Chief of Staff at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group. Leo Falgout has been with Sapphire for four years and previously served as Lead Technical Writer. As Chief of Staff, Leo has overseen the completion of over 500 security plans for cannabis business applications with an average score of 94%. Leo obtained his B.S. in Polymer and Fiber Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and his M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.