Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft at Adult Day Centers
By Joseph Flores | Published April 25, 2022
Automotive Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise in the U.S. since the height of the pandemic. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter thefts more than quadrupled in 2021. An estimated over 65,000 thefts were recorded nationwide, a 353 percent increase from all reported thefts of catalytic converters in 2020, a previous record for these thefts. There were over 14,000 which were reported stolen in 2020 and only a little over 3,000 thefts were reported in 2019.
Catalytic converters are a fundamental part of a reducing emissions in a vehicle’s exhaust system. They are attractive to thieves because they contain precious metals such as palladium and platinum that can be traded to metal recyclers for up to hundreds of dollars per converter. Higher clearance vehicles, such as vans and pickup trucks are often targeted because they present more access to the catalytic converter. Typically utilizing a saw or wrench, a thief could easily remove a catalytic converter in and gone minutes flat.
To reduce the risk of catalytic converter theft from your Adult Day Center, consider implementing the following security measures:
When keeping vehicles overnight, be sure to park in well-lit areas. If a garage is available, it is always best to park vehicles inside.
Park close to building entrances and avoid parking behind or in the back of buildings.
Consider hiring a security guard to monitor your premises overnight and/or use of surveillance cameras in the area where vehicles are parked.
Install an alarm system to your vehicle calibrated to a higher sensitivity to slight vibration and touch.
Have the vehicles VIN (Identification number) engraved or stamped on the catalytic converter and spray-painted bright orange. This deters theft by reducing the likelihood of the part being traded to scrap metal recyclers.
Other options include placing a protective cover around the converter or the use aftermarket products such as locks, clamps, cages and alarms which are commercially available.
And if all else fails, I’m here help with the right protection for your Adult Day center...
For a free review of your policies and ways to save on your insurance premiums, contact Joseph Flores at joseph.flores@newfront.com.
Joseph Flores
Principal and Commercial Insurance Broker
Joseph Flores began his focus in Risk Management in 2008. He serves as Newfront’s Principal of Healthcare and Social Services. He is a champion for the aging and focuses his efforts on Community-Based Adult Services. He was born and raised in East Los Angeles and currently resides in Orange County. He aspires to support Geriatric Healthcare programs nationwide and has proven track record of adding value, adequate protections and cost saving tools to his clients. In his personal time he enjoys outings with his family and starting new projects whenever he has spare time.
