Thieves looking to make a quick buck are causing a lot of pain in the pocketbook for the victims of one of the hottest crime trends in Texas — catalytic converter theft.
Despite a bill passed last summer in the Texas legislature to deter it, catalytic converter theft continues to be a problem in the state. As The Dallas Express reported in July, AAA said that claims for stolen catalytic converters have increased more than 5,000% since 2019.
John Hall, the manager of A-Affordable Storage, stated there have been more than 75 catalytic converter thefts at the company’s 17 RV storage facilities across the metroplex, NBCDFW reported. Police in White Settlement said that at least 10 catalytic converters are stolen every week in that community.
Catalytic converters are auto emissions devices that can reduce up to 90% of a vehicle’s harmful tailpipe emissions. They are required on all new vehicles sold in the United States.
Thieves target this particular auto part because it contains precious metals — such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These precious metals bring a hefty price at resale, and catalytic converters are easy to access and steal. It takes less than a minute to roll underneath a vehicle and cut out the part with a battery-operated saw.
Thieves then sell the stolen auto parts to junkyards, metal recyclers, or on the black market.
House Bill 4110, signed into law by Gov. Abbott last June, made it a felony to steal a catalytic converter or buy or sell a stolen one. First-time offenders can receive six months to two years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Repeat offenders can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
To legally sell a used catalytic converter in Texas, the seller must provide proof of ownership and fingerprints. However, thieves in Texas are circumventing this requirement by selling their stolen emissions devices in other states with less restrictive laws.
Vehicle owners who are victims of catalytic converter theft are stuck paying for the replacement part, which can cost, on average, between $1,000 and $3,000.