Catalytic converter theft has been a serious problem for some time now, as the precious metals used in the construction of the cats are highly valued. Unfortunately, this crime has been on the rise for some time now, and the Chevy Equinox is currently among the most popular vehicles targeted by thieves.
According to a report from CARFAX, as many as 153,000 vehicles in the U.S. had their catalytic converters stolen during the 2022 calendar year. In comparison, the number of insurance claims for cat replacement stood at roughly 52,000 during the 2021 calendar year.
Thieves are committing “opportunistic crimes,” says Maine State Police Sgt. Matt Casavant. “Parking lots – even ones that were well-lit – were getting hit. Car dealerships are getting hit on a regular basis, too. The thieves were so brazen that it didn’t matter.”
As far as vehicles specifically targeted, the Ford F-series pickup truck lineup ranked as number one overall, while the Honda Accord came in at second. The Chevy Equinox is the seventh most-targeted vehicle, up one spot from 2021 numbers, while the Chevy Silverado is the eighth most-targeted vehicle, down three spots from 2021 figures.
So, what can you do to help prevent your catalytic converters from being stolen? Here’s a short list of some steps that can be taken to help protect your vehicle:
- Park in a well-lit area.
- Park in your garage.
- Be aware of the area around your vehicle.
- Install an anti-theft device.
- Install motion sensor security lights that illuminate your driveway.
- Have a muffler shop etch your vehicle’s VIN on the cat.
If your vehicle was hit by thieves, be sure to contact the police and your insurance company as soon as you can. Additionally, make sure you promptly replace the catalytic converter.
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Comments
There is a simple solution to prevent “opportunistic crimes” and it is to install a large metal underbody cover with security bolts to protect the catalytic converter. The thieves will take more time and trouble to remove or cut through that cover, so they will search for an easier target or drop the theft completely. My present non-GM car has a plastic cover that is removed only once a year for oil and filter changes, so its converter is protected against this type of theft.
Plastic covers are simple to rip off.
I’ll ask the question. Why do we still use catalytic converters. They were installed early on for cars with carburetors that didn’t regulate excess fuel very well. Today’s computer controlled systems are much cleaner. Are there any tests on newer vehicles that show a big enough difference in emissions with or without them. Is it enough to offset the cost of mining these precious metals?
Talk to Ford their vehicles have like 4 or 5 on all their vehicles… The new Tundra has 4 lol
LOL, better do some research these Nox’s are very popular kid haulers and grocery getters. They aren’t designed for towing much. Get a bigger machine if you want to tow, that’s why GM has so many choices. It’s called getting the right machine for the right job.
Haven’t heard anything about stealing Equinox converters, they are so low to the ground you’d need a jack. That’s why the full-sized trucks and SUV’s are so popular, no jack is required.
That makes sense, but then how do you explain that Honda Accords are so popular with cat thieves? Accords are much lower to the ground.
Did you do any research before making that comment? While the HP is in the lower realm of power, the torque is in the higher realm. I will take torque over hp in a daily CUV/truck any day.
Nothing you mentioned are they worse in class in. They may tie towing, but many have the same 1500 lb towing in most their lineup with the base engines. The 1.5 is reliable, so not sure where you got that false info. Seriously, just move on. Not sure why you hang around just to troll… Should we go over to your Mitsubishi pages and troll your brand?