Full Notification

MEDIA RELEASE

WHAT: Thefts of Catalytic Converters

WHERE: City of San Luis Obispo

WHEN: May 7th through May 11, 2018

DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Lieutenant John Bledsoe

During the past three days the San Luis Obispo Police Department has received seven reports of the thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles throughout the city. A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that converts toxic gases and pollutants in vehicle exhaust systems into less toxic pollutants. These devices are located in the under carriage of many makes of vehicles, and they can easily be removed in a short amount of time. They are usually removed in one of three ways – unbolted, cut off with a battery powered saw, or cut off with an acetylene torch.

These recent thefts in the City of San Luis Obispo have been primarily from Honda and Toyota makes, and have occurred during the nighttime hours. The cost of catalytic converters can range anywhere from several hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the make and model of a vehicle. It is common for thieves to sell catalytic converters to metal recyclers for as much as $150 each depending on the type of catalytic converter and its condition.

While there are some preventative measures to help from being a victim of this type of theft, some people may not have the ability or resources to prevent them from being victimized. Although none of these are completely foolproof, here are a few prevention method suggestions.

-Spot welding
-Using Aftermarket Converters that contain less valuable precious metals
-Use of theft deterrent devices (Cat Cuff, and Cat Clamp)
-Welding the bolt attaching the converter to the muffler

Anyone with information regarding the thefts of these catalytic converters are asked to call the San Luis Obispo Police Department, Crime Stoppers, or the law enforcement agency in your jurisdiction.