Catalytic Converter Stolen In Springfield
SPRINGFIELD TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – As issues with supply chains around the world continue, precious metal prices are on the climb. The spike is making Catalytic Converters (CATs) more interesting to thieves because of the precious metals/rare earth elements they contain and Robertson County is not immune.
What does a catalytic converter do anyway? It converts your engine exhaust toxins into less harmful byproducts like water vapor and carbon dioxide.
The average “CAT” contains platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Rhodium alone is 11,400.00 per ounce. Palladium is going for $1,848.01 an OZ and Platinum is sitting at $947.80 OZ.
So now we know why, what can you do?
Parking in a well-lit area can help but it’s not a guarantee. You can engrave numbers on your CATs. That can help police connect the dots but you’ll still be replacing them. A catalytic converter guard might be enough to make the car next door more attractive if you’re willing to invest a few hundred dollars for the guards.
On Friday a Springfield family reportedly left the Walmart in Springfield and immediately noticed that their pickup truck sounded very different. A quick inspection at home revealed the problem. The catalytic converter was gone.
Much of Walmart’s parking areas are covered by cameras and Springfield Police Officers monitor the area often, however, this vehicle was parked in an area off-camera. It may not have mattered though, thieves don’t seem to be camera shy. YouTube is full of videos that capture alleged CAT thefts. If you have any information about the theft, Springfield Police are investigating.
According to officials, other thefts have been reported in Robertson County. Your insurance company may cover the cost of new CATs but you still may have to pay a deductible and potentially higher insurance premiums. The average cost to replace a Catalytic Converter is between $945 and $2475, assuming nothing else was damaged in the process. Wires and sensors can also be damaged or stolen in the process.
If engraving or having a guard installed is not for you, all you can do is wait for automobile manufacturers to find a tech solution. Until then, try to avoid leaving your vehicle in poorly lit areas that offer no security and park in the garage if possible. You might also call your insurance company to see where your policy stands on CAT theft.
If you would like to talk to a mechanic on CAT safety call Payne Chevrolet in Springfield or Springfield Auto & Transmission Repair. Both have great mechanics that might be able to offer some ideas for CAT theft prevention on your vehicle.
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