In recent years, the streets have often been filled with booming sounds resembling explosions coming from cars. The cause behind this may not be due to modifications, but rather due to the theft of catalytic converters. Recently, a surveillance video in front of a residence in Brooklyn was exposed, clearly capturing how thieves swiftly dismantled and stole the entire catalytic converter from a car within just two minutes, revealing the high efficiency and organization of such criminal activities.
The 2 minutes and 30 seconds-long surveillance footage was recorded at 4:45 am, when the sky was already bright. A red sedan parked by the roadside, and the first person to exit was a tall and slim man wearing a white hooded sweatshirt. He walked up to a black sedan, bent down to inspect the underside of the car with a flashlight, and then signaled his accomplices to take action.
Subsequently, three men successively exited the car, with one retrieving a jack from the trunk and swiftly raising the right front side of the black sedan parked on the roadside. Another man then went underneath the car from the front and began dismantling the catalytic converter.
Approximately 30 seconds later, the man crawled out from under the car, circled to the right side of the vehicle, glanced towards the distant sidewalk—despite a female pedestrian about to pass by at that moment, he assessed that there was no threat and once again went under the car. In just about 20 seconds, he emerged from under the car holding the dismantled catalytic converter.
In less than a minute, the thieves completed the removal, swiftly stowed the jack, and drove away from the scene. Throughout the entire operation, the female pedestrian happened to pass by. She seemed to notice something amiss—the thief in white attire had his entire upper body under the car, a very clear sight captured in the footage, with two other men present at the scene, one standing guard on the sidewalk and the other stationed on the other side of the vehicle. Faced with the intimidating presence of the three men, she silently walked past.
Although the catalytic converter is only a part of a car’s exhaust system, it contains valuable metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, making it highly resalable in the black market. Positioned typically underneath the car and easily accessible, it has become a “golden component” in the eyes of criminals.
In addition to the metals themselves, the catalytic converter also serves the function of reducing harmful emissions, meeting vehicle environmental standards and thus resulting in high demand in the recycling market. Converters with a higher content of precious metals command higher prices, making them prime targets for the black market and illegal recyclers.
High ground clearance vehicle models such as SUVs and trucks are particularly vulnerable targets as thieves can access the underside without the need for tools. However, as seen in recent surveillance footage, even low-clearance sedans can be targeted if a jack is available, making it easy for thieves to commit the crime.
Facing ongoing theft risks, experts recommend that the public implement multiple preventive measures, such as installing anti-theft devices like CatClamps, choosing well-lit or monitored parking locations, engraving the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the converter, and utilizing virtual security monitoring services. Especially for SUVs and trucks with high ground clearance, heightened vigilance is advised to avoid becoming the next target.
Installing catalytic converter guards and locks can complicate the removal process and increase the likelihood of detection. Steel guard shields or locks can be installed by maintenance shops.
Choosing a parking location is also crucial. Parking in well-lit areas or near building entrances can improve visibility. Furthermore, parking the vehicle with the right side against a wall or close to obstacles can make it more difficult for thieves to access the catalytic converter. Whenever possible, prioritize parking in garages or secured parking lots.
Engraving the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the catalytic converter and registering it on platforms accessible to law enforcement can aid in tracing its origin, deter thieves, and reduce the purchasing interest of illegal buyers and recyclers. New York City offers a free etching program, where car owners can actively participate. In 2022, Governor Hochu signed a bill requiring car recycling facilities to report the quantity and sources of converters received every 60 days, aiming to enhance transparency and traceability.
The use of virtual security and real-time monitoring can enable remote vehicle surveillance around the clock, with systems instantly reporting suspicious activities and utilizing voice warnings to deter intruders. Such virtual security systems are increasingly valued by car owners in high-risk areas.