While the thefts of catalysts are on the increase, more and more Quebecers are victims of multiple thefts since the criminals use a rather original stratagem.
The latter take advantage of the fact that they have already stolen the catalytic converter from a car and that the owner will necessarily have to install another one. The thieves therefore return to the same place to take the new part.
Our journalist Pierre-Olivier Zappa learned this the hard way. While he was stung his catalyst overnight two months ago, thugs came back to take his new catalyst on Monday evening.
Anyone who has ever been the victim of theft knows that it is very expensive to replace a catalyst. The bill can easily be around $ 4000. Fortunately, the bill can usually be passed on to insurers.
If catalysts are so great for thieves, it’s because they contain rare metals like palladium, rhodium, and platinum, which are worth more than gold.
Thus, thieves are able to resell them and make a good profit.
The scourge is such that even dealerships remove the catalysts on vehicles in their backyards and put the part back when the vehicles are sold.
A system to protect your vehicle
To discourage thieves, a Laval mechanic has developed a system that prevents thieves from being able to remove the catalysts.
All you need to do is install a plate that covers the room and prevents burglars from gaining access.
“There are several kinds of plates for several kinds of vehicles,” explains Roy Ghaly, owner of Express AutoCare. “It protects from front to back. You can’t come and take out the catalyst. ”
Depending on the vehicle, the price of the plates varies between $ 800 and $ 1,200. They can cost up to $ 3,000 for large trucks and motorhomes, however.
According to Ghaly, the Hyudai Sante Fe and Tucson, the Mitsubishi RVR, the Ford Transit 350, Sprinter and Econoline E-350 and E-450 are particularly popular with thieves.