The Russian invasion of Ukraine is putting your vehicles at greater risk of being targeted by catalytic converter thieves.

Russia currently leads the world in producing palladium. The precious metal is a key component in catalytic converters, devices that turn environmentally-hazardous exhaust emitted by the engine into less harmful gasses. While thefts of the parts are nothing new, palladium prices have hit an all-time high in recent days over fears that exports of the rare metal could be disrupted, making the already appealing crime even more attractive. 

Police say that a criminal can slide under a vehicle and brazenly saw off the device in a matter of minutes. The converter can then be sold for hundreds of dollars at recycling companies or scrap yards. In the meantime, victims are left with thousands of dollars in replacement and repair bills as vehicles are often significantly damaged in the theft process. Vehicles also remain useless until new catalytic converters can be ordered and installed. The biggest targets are vehicles that have higher ground clearance giving easier access to the exhaust.

There are, however, several ways to reduce your risk of being targeted, including:

• Remain vigilant to strangers who might be casing parked vehicles

• Adjust the sensitivity of vehicle security systems, if so equipped, to activate from vibrations, such as those produced by a saw

• Park vehicles in garages or busy, well-lit areas close to buildings; avoid park and ride lots, and leaving your vehicles unsecured for long periods of timePark vehicles in the view of surveillance cameras, whenever possible

• Park fleet vehicles in secured, alarmed, and well-lit yards

• Engrave the vehicle’s VIN number onto the catalytic converter, as many scrap yards are required by either local or state law to ask for identification before buying a used converter

• Paint the catalytic converter using a high-temperature fluorescent paint to let recycling companies, scrap yards, and police know that the converter has been engraved

• Consider installing a catalytic converter anti-theft device, such as a protective shield or cage that fits over the catalytic converter, or stainless-steel cables welded from the catalytic converter to the vehicle’s frame

• Report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.

If you are a Lancer insured and find yourself the victim of catalytic converter theft, please report it to Lancer Insurance Company immediately.