Over the past few years, there’s been a meteoric rise in the theft of catalytic converters from the undercarriage of vehicles across the U.S. due to the valuable metals contained inside. But, now it appears that there’s another pricey semi truck part that’s caught the attention of thieves: common powertrain controller (CPC) modules.

The component is considered the brain of the truck. It controls various engine and powertrain functions, and vehicles are inoperable without it. Criminals can steal the module from a parked tractor in a matter of minutes, and they often damage windows, the dashboard and wire harnesses in the process.

The skyrocketing theft of these components is being blamed on the ongoing global shortage of microchips. There’s a lack of availability of the chips used inside the CPCs and replacement modules are on backorder. As a result, used modules are in high demand on the black market and currently range from $4,000 to $8,000, although the list price for a new unit is only $1,400-$1,600. Reprogramming the used modules allow the units to work in other trucks.

The largest known theft of CPCs occurred in April, when two dozen trucks ready to go up for sale at an auction yard in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania were hit. A significant number of other thefts have occurred at dealerships and customer terminals across the country.

In light of this recent rash of CPC module thefts, we encourage all professional truckers to:

• Password protect your CPC module. For help in setting up your password, contact your vehicle’s manufacturer.

• Plan your route before heading out. Research where you’ll be traveling, so you know the safer locations to park should you need to stop, and the areas that you should try to avoid.

• Pay attention to your surroundings at all times, and be particularly observant at night. Report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.

• Park in well-lit, high-traffic lots. Position your truck in the view of surveillance cameras and/or guards, whenever possible.

• Turn the vehicle off, and take keys with you if you leave the cab. Be diligent about making sure the cab windows are closed and locking the doors when you leave the vehicle. Be sure to activate the vehicle alarm system, if equipped, when locking your vehicle. Utilize all available security equipment for added layers of protection when the vehicle is unattended.

If you are a Lancer long-haul trucking policyholder and find yourself the victim of CPC module theft, contact local law enforcement immediately, and then report the loss to Lancer Insurance Company immediately (24/7/365).

Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) is also asking all of its customers to report stolen CPCs to DTNA at 1-800-FTL-HELP.