Catalytic Converter Thefts on Rise Nationwide

Catalytic converters seized in a recent investigation. (Utah Attorney General's Office via AP)

By    |   Thursday, 27 January 2022 07:24 AM EST ET

Opportunistic thieves are taking advantage of law enforcement agencies nationwide being too busy combating a rise in violent crimes to pay attention to smash and grabs from high-end luxury stores and the rising trend of catalytic converters being sawed right off cars.

Catalytic converters transform hazardous pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants. But as the practice spreads nationwide, more and more people are starting their cars in the morning only to hear a strange sound that means carjackers have boosted their converter to cash in on the valuable metals the device is made of.

Marisa Herman

Marisa Herman, a Newsmax senior reporter, focuses on major and investigative stories. A University of Florida graduate, she has more than a decade of experience as a reporter for newspapers, magazines, and websites.

© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.


platinum
Opportunistic thieves are taking advantage of law enforcement agencies nationwide being too busy combating a rise in violent crimes to pay attention to smash and grabs from high-end luxury stores and the rising trend of catalytic converters being sawed right off...
catalytic converter, theft, vehicles
957
2022-24-27
Thursday, 27 January 2022 07:24 AM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

View on Newsmax