Found out that these thefts are causing headaches for rental agencies too. Wife and I had reserved a 15 passenger van for a trip coming up, since there are 7 of us going and things would be a little cozy to take one vehicle and still be able to fit our bags. They called us today to say they can't get us a van, because their vans' cats are being stolen and they can't get replacement parts. It's bad enough they have to change their website so those aren't an option now.
Catalytic Converter Thefts
- Thread starter The Critic
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You’d think Enterprise, Hertz, Avis and Airport Van Rental would be installing cat guards.
U-Haul has been installing cat cages on their box vans for a while now. I’m now seeing even Orkin trucks have a decal saying WARNING: CAT SECURED these days, they’re using Tacomas for trucks and I’d bet Enterprise Fleet Management or WEX was getting tired of decatting.
About a month ago there were stories all around here about stolen cats. I have not heard much lately. It's either so common nobody says anything or not profitable any more.
Story from a local TV station where a sheriff deputy caught someone in the act, well, immediately after as the guy was carrying the converter he had just cut off and it mentioned something I question....
"...said going after scrap yards won’t stop these thefts because he said the people stealing catalytic converters are not going to reputable scrap yards"
They know these are being sold at non-reputable scrap yards, so they know...
"...said going after scrap yards won’t stop these thefts because he said the people stealing catalytic converters are not going to reputable scrap yards"
They know these are being sold at non-reputable scrap yards, so they know...
So are they incapable of going after the the non-reputable scrap yards?
I get calls for the older Ford trucks and vans a lot, probably 3-4 a day that have been cut off. Unfortunately its all on older, 03ish and back, so they are obsolete from Ford. What really sucks they are expensive, like $3200 or so, so it would be a good thing for the bottom line.
Someone posted on Nextdoor that they had their cat stolen on some Honda. No-one on there appreciated my comment about the person cutting it did a fairly neat job of it. Cut the 2 sides of the cat and snipped the O2 sensor wires without destroying the floor pan.
Just came to post that the Uhaul I rented 2weeks ago had a cage around the cat
Theft is surging for a crucial car part. See if your car is one of the top targets.
Catalytic converter theft is soaring. See if your car is one of the top targets.
www.nbcnews.com
Virginia has made catalytic converter theft a felony as of July 1.
Previously, catalytic converter theft was a Class 1 misdemeanor, same as reckless driving (which means you'd face the same punishment for driving 46MPH in 25MPH zone as you would for stealing a catalytic converter).
Previously, catalytic converter theft was a Class 1 misdemeanor, same as reckless driving (which means you'd face the same punishment for driving 46MPH in 25MPH zone as you would for stealing a catalytic converter).
WA state just passed some tougher catalytic converter thief laws effective July 1 also. Thieves will probably just take them out of state to sell them.
Washington Legislature passes bill to limit catalytic converter theft
The Washington state Legislature approved a measure this week to curb catalytic converter theft.
mynorthwest.com
What a joke that legislation is. Of the nine bullet items only one makes any mention of punishment - and it’s vague beyond belief. Washington State University starting a “workshop“ on the matter? Ridiculous.WA state just passed some tougher catalytic converter thief laws effective July 1 also. Thieves will probably just take them out of state to sell them.
Washington Legislature passes bill to limit catalytic converter theft
The Washington state Legislature approved a measure this week to curb catalytic converter theft.mynorthwest.com
View attachment 107187
Scott
I made that comment to my police officer son one time. His reply was, “So you’re willing to go to prison for a catalytic converter?”
FWIW,
Scott
See post #127 ... if it was up to me.
If it was up to me, I'd also shutdown and severely fine any business knowingly paying thieves and not having every i dotted and t crossed in their required paperwork. Would also have a large sting force to watch for metal scrap buyers buying from thieves. Punish the scrap buyers harshly, and it will stop it faster then trying to stop the thieves.
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WA state just passed some tougher catalytic converter thief laws effective July 1 also. Thieves will probably just take them out of state to sell them.
Washington Legislature passes bill to limit catalytic converter theft
The Washington state Legislature approved a measure this week to curb catalytic converter theft.mynorthwest.com
View attachment 107187
Now if they would put some attention on vehicle theft. It’s out of control around here.
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