Expensive theft of auto parts while growing in the Kansas City area

Police departments in the Kansas City subway area report an increasing number of catalytic converter thefts, a trend partly to blame for the economic hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising costs for precious metals.

The expensive part of the vehicle’s emission system is an easy target among thieves, as more and more cars, trucks and SUVs do not drive as much due to home stay orders and business restrictions. Thieves direct the converters to the resale value of the precious metal inside such as platinum, rhodium and palladium.

By mid-November, Kansas City, Missouri police had registered 638 stolen or damaged converters. So far, Raytown police have registered 57 reports of stolen by 2020, compared to 33 stolen in 2019. Overland Park police have registered 118 reports of theft of converters compared to 35 in 2019, although statistics may be slightly off due to multiple thefts of converters in one place, according to a department spokesperson. Blue Springs and Lee police at the summit also noted a higher number in 2020 than in 2019.

Thieves often target larger vehicles such as trucks or SUVs with higher ground clearance to slide easily down and unscrew the converter. Hybrid vehicles are also top targets.

“Right now, a lot of people are out of work. The pandemic is not a useful situation, so you will obviously have more thefts,” said Sandy Levin, owner of KC Iron and Metal.

Levine said his recycling business adheres to strict regulations within Kansas City, Missouri, such as requiring the seller to own a title that matches the catalytic converter vehicle model. Regulations have become stricter with recent changes to the city code, Levin said.

“The problem, however, is that when we complied with these ordinances years ago, even the one two years ago, we were told we would make other communities in the area follow our path. They are not,” Levin said.

Levine said city officials around Kansas City should work together to tighten restrictions on how people can sell catalysts.

“It’s a problem and if we don’t work together, it will continue to be a problem,” he said.

Catalysts can sell for anywhere between $ 200 – $ 500 per piece, depending on size and model.

However, repairs can be between $ 500 and $ 2,500, according to Sci-Tech Automotive store manager Derek Jones.

“Wireless [saws] are the weapon of choice, “John said.” It enters and exits the vehicle very quickly. “

John said his store had repaired three catalysts in the past month and repaired the exhaust system of another customer whose converter had almost been cut off.

“It’s like a small case of money there,” he said, pointing to a converter.

John offers parking in well-lit areas, a garage, or the purchase of a spare cell to secure the catalytic converter.

“See if you can buy a precaution,” he said. “But honestly, hope and pray that you are not the victim.”