MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Catalytic converters have been stolen at record numbers in the past year. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported thefts of converters climbed to 1,203 a month in 2020 compared to 282 a month in 2019.
Samuel George, a mechanic with Major & Son Muffler & Auto Service Center in South Memphis, has had more customers than ever needing their catalytic converters replaced.
"Usually every day," George said. "They’ve been cutting them off around the neighborhood a lot."
George said criminals are selling the valuable precious metal inside the car part for a variety of reasons. If stolen, it can cost the owner of the vehicle a lot of money to replace.
"You’re looking anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000," George said. "It all depends on how new or how old the car is."
George said if yours is stolen your car will make a loud noise when it starts and it can potentially cause engine performance problems.
It only takes minutes for criminals to saw it off.
"One person jumps down to jack it up and then the next one cuts it off. It’s only two cuts," George said. "It literally takes a minute or two."
A Tennessee law that took effect in July requires anyone who sells detached catalytic converters must be registered as a scrap metal dealer or face a Class A misdemeanor.
Some say the law hasn't deterred criminals.
"We have the same customer come back numerous times. Time after time," George said. "Put a new one on and they cut it off."
Law enforcement has advised parking your car in a garage, behind a gate, or in a well-lit area to deter criminals from stealing your catalytic converter.