Defend Your Ride: Combat Catalytic Converter Crime in Amarillo

If you own a car, then you know many things can happen with your car. You can get into a car accident, someone can break into your car, and your car can break down. One thing that car owners didn't have to worry about back in the day was having someone crawl under their car and cut an important part off.

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There is a part under your car that is quite valuable to thieves. Unfortunately, if a thief wants to steal this part they will steal it. These thieves are getting brave and stealing this from your car in broad daylight.

Catalytic Converter

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Catalytic converters are a hot commodity among thieves. The reason this part of a car is so valuable is because it contains, precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Right now those metals are increasing in value.

What is a Catalytic Converter?

A catalytic converter is a part of your car's exhaust system that converts the gasses that are created by the engine into less harmful emissions.

According to the Potter County Sheriff's Panhandle Auto Burglary and Theft Unit (PABTU), 10 catalytic converters were stolen in the Amarillo area in 2024. But they are expecting that number to rise in 2025 significantly.

Why is the Theft of Catalytic Converters Expected to Rise?

The value of the component elements inside of the catalytic converters was down a considerable amount. Those values are set to increase this year, and the concern is that the theft will rise to reflect the monetary increase of the component elements. -Cpl Rachel Short

How Can You Protect Your Car from a Catalytic Converter Theft?

One way is to get your catalytic converter stamped. This will make it easier to identify that it was stolen. PABTU will stamp catalytic converters for free on Thursday, January 30th from 1-3 pm at 13651 I-40 W Frontage Road.

Back in May 2023, Governor Greg Abbott signed a new bill into law that created harsher punishments for those convicted of stealing catalytic converters.

Can a Car Run without a Catalytic Converter?

Yes, it can, but it is illegal in Texas to drive a car without a catalytic converter.

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