Toyota, Dodge pickups common targets, police say

Benicia Police Department has investigated several thefts of catalytic converters from Toyota pickup trucks since the beginning of the year, Lt. Frank Hartig said Friday.

“The catalytic converters contain platinum, palladium, or rhodium. These three metals are rare and very expensive,” Hartig said. “Recycle centers pay over $100 for each catalytic converter.”

The catalytic converter is part of a vehicle’s exhaust system that helps to reduce pollution; it is located under a vehicle on the exhaust pipe, before the muffler.

Repairing or replacing an exhaust system can be quite costly for victims of such thefts, Hartig said. The average insurance deductible can be $250, $500 or $1,000, he said, and it can cost $1,000 to $5,000 to replace or repair the entire system.

“It appears the thieves are targeting Toyota pickup trucks and SUVs, as these vehicles sit higher off the ground and are easier to crawl under. Dodge pickups are also desirable,” Hartig wrote.

Hartig said thieves are targeting the vehicles late at night and in the early-morning hours. Thieves can cut or unbolt the catalytic converter, he said, but usually use a cutting device to cut the device off, causing damage to the entire exhaust system.

“Using battery-operated power tools allows them to commit this crime in a matter of minutes,” he said. “This type of crime has a significant negative impact on the owners of these vehicles.”

Some security devices can be used to make vehicles more secure, he said, or deter the catalytic converter theft altogether.

“Some muffler shops will now weld additional metal rods to the exhaust system to make it more difficult to remove the catalytic converter,” Hartig said. “Installing a motion-sensitive car alarm system can also help to deter thieves.”

Hartig said the best way to protect your vehicle is to park it inside a garage, but if it is parked outside, installing motion sensor lights also may act as a deterrent.

“Another deterrent is to have your vehicle’s license plate or your driver’s license etched into the catalytic converter. Having these etchings made as large as possible and visible from the bottom side is also encouraged,” he said.

Benicia police request that citizens report suspicious activity immediately by calling the police dispatch center at 707-745-3412, ext. 1.

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