Catalytic converter thefts in St Vincent De Paul parking lot

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Yeah, because the people who shop at St. Vincent de Paul (raises hand) are so wealthy that they don't mind a bit.

Catalytic converter thefts in St Vincent De Paul parking lot

by JORDAN SMITH | Friday, February 11th 2022

CLARKSTON, WA — Nationwide, auto part thefts have been on the rise, particularly in places like California and Texas. But now those thefts aren’t exclusive to the big cities and occurring in the LC Valley.

The theft of catalytic converters has accelerated in frequency since 2021 and that’s costing customers and insurance companies a fortune. ... The theft of two catalytic converters took place in the parking lot of St. Vincent De Paul and Napa Auto Parts in Clarkston across two different nights. ... Police believe it was one suspect who committed both crimes.

The reason why these parts are so sought after, depending on the type of vehicle, a catalytic converter can cash out a couple hundred dollars. But for the customer to replace, a catalytic converter can cost as high as a few thousand dollars. Comprehensive insurance coverage still must pay a deductible; those who don’t have insurance will pay the money out-of-pocket.

While thefts don’t happen often in the region, it’s becoming common in places like Sacramento County, they have seen thefts increase 15 hundred percent in the past three years. ... State Farm released a report that found converter thefts soared 293% from mid-2020 to mid-2021. State Farm has shelled out nearly $34 million to customers this year compared to about $9 million last year.

[Chainfire]

1. A thief ripped the catalytic converters out of two vehicles that my son owned

while he was at work. The cars were parked in his driveway. It cost him a fortune to replace them. The way to handle the problem is to go after the people who buy them first. If someone brings a cat to a recycle center or a repair shop, They should have to show a title to the vehicle that it came from and a copy of personal identification.

[tirebiter]

2. I welded mine in.

California catalytic converters are the most effective and expensive. I support having to have them.