Due to the large concentrations of precious metals used in their construction, catalytic converters have been targeted by thieves for quite some time now. Unfortunately, the prevalence of this crime has been increasing, and now, the Chevy Silverado is one of the most popular vehicles to have its catalytic converters stolen.
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. For reference, 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 Silverado is the eighth most-targeted vehicle, which is actually down three spots from 2021 figures. Meanwhile, the Chevy Equinox is the seventh most-targeted vehicle, up one spot from 2021 numbers.
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
8th on the list hardly makes it a “sweetheart “.
Manufactures should etch the vin number on the CAT, but what does that do? In this world someone is paying for these stolen CAT’s. This is where law enforcement must look for, not the guy doing the hack jobs. The VIN can trace it back as stollen or from a junk yard if the CATS are very recovered.
They recommend an “Anti-theft” device. Is that something you cook up in your garage or are these things commercially available? if so, I would appreciate the feedback.
Thankyou.
Company called FSPE makes them
GOOGLE IT
Factory should offer a converter cover as an LPO!!
Better manufacturer design to protect theft targets would be greatly appreciated. With all those well paid engineers and high sale values many customers would appreciate it with the new vehicle purchase. Autos with after-market devices in place are often vandalized/defaced by thwarted theives. Would be nice to have design that dissuades theft in the first place. Thieves also target drilling holes in bottom of plastic gas tanks when fuel prices are high. My son’s Jeep had that done (any high riding vehicle). Crazy crime, $400-$900 damage for $30-80 of gas & the risk to the thief…but they do it.
Bolt a piece of 1/8” plate to the frame rail that blocks the converter from easy access then either stake pien or tack the bolt heads. Game over!
Actually people are starting to do that.
Thanks Carl.
use tamper proof allen button head bolts.
I installed a guard from FSPE on my 22 1500. So far so good and only complaint is there is some cleaning required after an oil change or it’ll drip for a few days.
What does FSPE stand for? I wonder if they make a guard for my 2021 3500 Diesel.
Thanks.
FS PERFORMANCE ENGINEERING, $400.00 CAT GUARD SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR SILVERADO’S.
I need to get in that business!