Thieves targeting cars' catalytic converters for platinum

Thieves eager to cash in on the price of metals are costing car owners plenty as they target an unlikely vehicle part — the catalytic converter.

Thieves hit First Choice Auto, 2934 Clinton Road, twice in October. Nine catalytic converters belonging to customer vehicles and several owned by manager Vick Shimko were stolen. The thefts surprised Shimko.

“I knew stuff was going around, but I heard more about it happening in other states,” he said. 

First Choice Auto was not the only business targeted by thieves. 

According to Sedalia Police Department reports, six automobile or towing businesses have reported thefts of catalytic converters since April. Cmdr. Larry Ward said the thefts are likely driven by the platinum inside the parts.

“We noticed (the thefts) in the summer when primarily the cost of aluminum and metals were up; people were able to make quite a bit of money on that stuff,” Ward said.

The price of platinum has fallen significantly recently because of a volatile world market, but remained at more than $800 an ounce.

Dale’s Towing, 4013 S. Limit Ave., was hit in late September when a couple dozen catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles parked there. 

Shimko said it cost him $140 to replace one of the stolen catalytic converters. The theft can prove more costly when some vehicles require two catalytic converters. 

Thieves use saws to cut catalytic converters from vehicles.

“Two cuts, 30 seconds; it’s gone,” Ward said.

The thieves can also remove or damage the carbon monoxide sensor when stealing the catalytic converter, Shimko said. “It all depends on how they cut them. ... They usually rip them out if it’s in their way,” he said.

State legislation that took effect in August requires businesses that buy scrap metal to record sales of more than $50 and keep copies of the seller’s driver’s license or photo ID.

Shimko said he’s putting more lights out to deter thefts.

“I’ve just had bad luck with stealing,” he said.