Catalytic Converter Capers Continue

Erica Fellion of Colorado Springs said she didn’t know what a catalytic converter is, or why it’s so valuable to thieves, until someone stole hers earlier this week.

Fellion owns a Toyota 4Runner, an SUV commonly targeted for the emissions part because it’s easy to reach and easily stolen, by using either a saw or a torch.

“It was louder than it normally was,” Fellion said of when she started her SUV on Tuesday at an apartment complex near Academy Boulevard and Woodmen Road. “I thought someone stole my muffler at first. I looked under my car, and there was a huge chunk missing.”

Catalytic converter thefts have become more common in the past few years. The part contains small amounts of platinum, palladium and rhodium, precious metals nearly worth their weight in gold.

Jeff Goodwin, owner of Bud’s Muffler in Colorado Springs, said a thief can sell a stolen part for about $50 but cause several hundred dollars in damage to a targeted vehicle.

“The best thing to do is just outlaw the buying of these locally,” said Goodwin. “In Texas, it’s illegal to buy (one) from someone who’s not in the automotive business.”

Goodwin said thieves sell the parts to salvage yards that then sell to out-of-state companies able to extract the precious metals.

Jake Boone, owner of Always Auto Salvage in Colorado Springs, said he tries to watch for stolen parts, but it’s difficult to determine whether a part is or isn’t stolen. He said he disagrees with Goodwin’s suggestion about banning the sale of catalytic converters.

“You try to calculate them into your profit, whether it’s at a scrapyard or you’re buying a car,” said Boone. “If you don’t have that option, that’s not good.”

Special covers and alarms are available to prevent theft, but Goodwin said the expense often discourages vehicle owners from purchasing them.

Fellion said insurance doesn’t cover the damage to her SUV, so she’ll probably get a new vehicle.