CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT
With catalytic converter thefts on the rise across the country, the Lombard Police Department urges residents to take steps to protect their vehicles and remain alert.
A catalytic converter is part of a vehicle’s exhaust system and is designed to convert environmentally hazardous exhaust to less harmful gasses. Precious metals - platinum, rhodium and palladium - used in the devices make them valuable to thieves who sell them to unscrupulous vendors.
A thief can remove a catalytic converter in minutes, leaving vehicle owners with a costly repair bill.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Help prevent catalytic converter thefts by:
- Parking in a garage or other secured area when possible.
- If you park in a personal garage, keep the overhead door closed and lock any service doors.
- Park in a well-lit area or near motion lights.
- Park in view of security or other cameras.
- Ask your mechanic to engrave your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the catalytic converter.
- Ask your mechanic to install a security device that makes the converter harder to steal.
If you see someone acting suspiciously under a vehicle, call 911 to report it to the police. If your catalytic converter is stolen, file a police report immediately after you discover the theft.