Protect Your Car’s Catalytic Converter – Auto Parts Theft and Break-ins Reported

As much value as your car has to you, its parts are worth more than gold.

The metal parts inside the catalytic converters are worth more than gold. It’s not the part itself but the treasures inside that make it a popular item to steal. Unfortunately, your catalytic converter is not safe even in a well-lit garage, as reported break-ins outside of Alta Lofts and at Santee Village Maple parkings structure lot in DTLA highlight.

According to an analysis of federal crime data by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, car theft has risen dramatically in the U.S. during the pandemic reversing a two-year decline. This industry organization focuses on insurance fraud. Up 10% in 2020 over the previous year. | data from Barron’s Market Watch

On top of that, catalytic converter theft has surged across the country, increasing over 400% in the past year. This uptick is linked to the valuable metals (platinum, palladium, and rhodium) that these emissions-control devices contain. | as reported in the LA Times 2021

Think of a catalytic converter as an extraordinary kind of filter for your car’s exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions. It’s bolted to the underside of every gas-powered vehicle, and it’s vulnerable to thieves because it contains metals more precious than gold. The metals convert harmful exhaust into oxygen, nitrogen, and other less dangerous gasses. Unfortunately; catalytic converter thefts have been rising, and the devices are expensive to replace. But a few simple steps might help you protect your car. 

A) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. 

This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. The idea is that a thief who sees the etching moves on to an easier target. Police agencies in some communities have joined with local repair shops to sponsor etching events. 

B) Park in well-lit areas.

Scott Jones, manager of Chapel Hill Tire, an auto service center in North Carolina, says most of the theft cases that pass through his shop occur in residential lots where cars are parked overnight. If you have to leave your vehicle outside, the National Insurance Criminal Bureau (NICB) recommends parking in a well-lit area and making sure to set your vehicle alarm. Installing a bright motion sensor light may also dissuade potential thieves. 

C) Do not leave any objects visible inside the car.

Crime is up in California. Never leave anything visible in the car, no matter how low the value. Criminals will break in, causing hundreds of dollars of damage, to steal anything worth a dollar or even less.

D) Install an anti-theft device.

Etching and careful parking might make your catalytic converter less attractive to thieves, but these preventive maneuvers don’t protect the part itself. Jones says an anti-theft device can help. His shop installs one by bolting a metal shield to the vehicle frame to cover the catalytic converter, which costs about $350, including installation. Other designs resemble a cage or armor plating. 

Will my car insurance cover a stolen catalytic converter? Car insurance may help cover catalytic converter theft if you have comprehensive coverage on your policy. Comprehensive coverage may help pay to replace your catalytic converter and repair damage done by a thief, up to the coverage limits stated in your policy, and minus your deductible.

Spending money on deterrents like a cage or engraving your part will dissuade some thieves now. Make sure you are ready for the likelihood of the part getting stollen anyway. Having the right insurance coverage may be your best bang for the buck. Eventually, your deterrents will be defeated as the value of these parts keeps going up. Check with your auto insurance agent. Secure your vehicle in a private lot or find a building that has 24-hour secure parking. #cartheft #catalyticconvertergold

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Adding a cage is to protect your catalytic converter is best done on a lift.

Copyright © This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog with the information provided by Corey Chambers, Realty Source Inc, DRE 01889449; MPR Funding Inc NMLS 2000513. We are not associated with the seller, homeowner’s association, or developer. For more information, contact 213-880-9910 or visit LALoftBlog.com, Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties are subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if the buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.

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Q: What is a loft? A: In Downtown Los Angeles real estate, a loft is a residence that has been converted from a previously industrial or commercial building under the Los Angeles Adaptive Re-Use Ordinance. The word loft may also be used to refer to a mezzanine level room or other open upstairs area. | Blog Video

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Q: What are the rules at Alta Lofts about dogs, utilities included in HOA, earthquake insurance etc? A: Any non-aggressive dog is ok. The dog must be gentle and not aggressive. We don’t have a copy of the rules available. The seller pays to give the buyer the CC&Rs during escrow. Alta HOA includes water, hot water, gas, trash, sewer, amenities. There’s no earthquake insurance at Alta and none at most condos. Owners have to buy their own and its too expensive for most people also. Ask your insurance agent about condo owners insurance and earthquake insurance. See Arroyo Insurance above. #loft #losangeles #condo #insurance

Q: What is 360 w avenue 26? A: That’s Puerta Del Sol condos near Downtown Los Angeles. It’s right next to the Lincoln Heights Metro Station.

Q: How do I lease a factory in los angeles? A: It depends on whether you want a real industrial factory, or if you want an industrial style live/work loft like Factory Place, Toy Factory, Brewery Lofts, Alta Lofts etc. Real factories (industrial zoned buildings) are necessary for those who do noisy manufacturing, while live/work lofts have creature comforts like kitchens, full bathrooms, bedrooms and amenities.

Q: What is the southern california hoa ev charging policy? A: Condo associations in California are required by law to allow for electric car charging stations whenever practical. | MORE

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We are told that Alta Lofts may have some pocket listings available for sale. Call 213-880-9910

Copyright © This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog and LAcondoInfo.com with information provided by Corey Chambers, Realty Source Inc, BRE 01889449 We are not associated with the homeowner’s association or developer. For more information, contact 213-880-9910 or visit LAcondoInfo.com Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.