Shedding Light on the Growing Issue of Catalytic Converter Theft
\nBy Melissa Somers, CPP SoCal Executive Director<\/p>\n
\u201cProblems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them.\u201d Albert Einstein<\/p>\n
Catalytic converter thefts are all over the news. Anyone that\u2019s been a victim of a converter theft will easily recall the sinking feeling of starting their vehicle and instead of the normal purr of an engine, it sounds like a helicopter. They\u2019ll also likely to tell you about the hassle and cost of getting a replacement. If you haven\u2019t had one (or some) stolen by now, chances are you know someone who has. Catalytic converter thefts are up some 400% over last year and are expected to continue increasing by as much as 30% over the next few years, making it very clear that it\u2019s not only a big
\nproblem, but that it\u2019s also one that isn\u2019t going away \u2013 unless we take action. It\u2019s safe to guess that most of us have a vague understanding that our vehicles need their catalytic converters and that crooks are stealing them for money. We might hear on the nightly news that one reason why converter theft is blowing up is that for the crooks stealing them, it\u2019s a low risk \/ high reward way to make a quick buck. In order to have an impact or effect change, a more comprehensive understanding of the issue in its entirety, and potential solutions, is a must.<\/p>\n