Auto dealerships have far more to worry about than just the theft of the vehicles themselves. Parts theft is also on the rise, particularly the theft of catalytic converters. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), catalytic converter thefts have seen a significant increase across the country since March of 2020, the start of the global pandemic.
According to David Glawe, President, and CEO of NICB,
“We have seen a significant increase during the pandemic. It’s an opportunistic crime. As the value of the precious metals contained within the catalytic converters continues to increase, so does the number of thefts of these devices. There is a clear connection between times of crisis, limited resources, and disruption of the supply chain that drives investors towards these precious metals.”
The Latest Stats
According to the most recently published data from the NCIB:
- from 108 per month on average in 2018
- to 282 per month on average in 2019
- to 1,203 per month on average in 2020.
- December More than 2,000 reported stolen across the country
Why the Interest?
A catalytic converter is a critical emissions-control device that contains precious metals more valuable than gold.
- Platinum: As high as $1,300/ounce
- Palladium: As high as $3,000/ounce
- Rhodium: As high as $29,000/ounce
Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft
While auto theft is always a concern for dealerships, of increasing concern is the theft of car parts such as wheels, tires, and catalytic converters. What can dealers do to protect their assets? Here’s a list of the top ways to prevent theft.
Use Remote Guarding
A standing guard can only be one place at a time and a thief can easily time a task in order to miss discovery. Remote guarding can cover an entire lot at once, provide immediate live call-down, and initiate law enforcement intervention.
Position Cars Strategically
Use defensive tactics such as turning front wheels sharply and using the parking brake to make moving the car or stealing tires difficult. Use cars to block exits. Park vehicles that sit higher off the ground such as trucks in well-lit and well-monitored areas to decrease the opportunity of catalytic converter theft.
Protect the Entire Lot
Many dealerships have fewer security considerations toward the back of the lot where they typically store used cars of lesser value. Instead, use fencing to surround the entire lot, and keep the back as well as the front well-lit and covered by remote video monitoring.
Are you looking for ways to reduce the risks of theft at your dealership? For over 20 years, Eyeforce has been providing video monitoring services nationwide. Our video monitoring command center is equipped with state-of-the-art video and two-way audio technology. Video signals are received on the cloud allowing Eyeforce personnel to monitor your facility’s video either live or recorded. Our security personnel can listen or make announcements to individuals at your facility while monitoring their activities. Our remote video monitoring services excel where traditional alarm monitoring companies fail. Call us today to discuss your security needs at 888-393-3672.
