In recent years, there has been a significant increase in a different kind of car theft, the theft of catalytic converters for all types of vehicles, automobiles, and RVs.

The catalytic converter is an expensive part worth in the triple digits and is essential for the proper functioning of the exhaust system. You can tell that it is missing as soon as the engine starts; you’ll hear an abnormal rumble.

For criminals, stealing the part is a relatively easy task.  It’s why thefts often occur in parking lots during the day.  SUVs, for example, are targeted vehicles because their level of ground clearance allows anyone with malicious intent to easily slip in to remove the part.

Unfortunately, apart from vigilance and prevention, there is not much that can be done: Do not park too far from entrances, look from time to time, be careful to spot anyone suspicious roaming around, etc.

Whether your vehicle is new or old, there is a demand for this automobile part because it contains precious metals such as gold, silver, rhenium, rhodium, palladium, iridium and also platinum.

Lots of expensive metals in one place, right? Thieves recycle the catalytic converters to extract the metals that are of great value on the current market.

Jackie Beaudoin, Leclerc Insurance and Financial Services