Catalytic converter theft in North Carolina continues to rise as precious metal prices of rhodium, platinum, and palladium remain high. Chances are, if you are reading this, you have been a victim of catalytic converter theft. You know firsthand what an inconvenience and expense this is. According to carbrain.com, the average cost of a catalytic converter repair is between $945 and $2475 including parts and labor. However, some vehicle models are not only more popular but are also more expensive to repair.
Police agencies and insurance companies in North Carolina recommend that you take steps to prevent catalytic theft and keep an eye out for suspicious activities. Catalytic converter theft can happen in as little as two minutes.
Also, be sure to check out:
Why Do People Steal Catalytic Converters From Cars?
Which cars and trucks are most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen
Catalytic Converter Etching: A How-To Guide
Which cars are least likely to have catalytic converters stolen?
Does Insurance Cover Catalytic Converter Theft?
How to prevent catalytic converter theft on a Toyota Prius (and other cars)
Protect your vehicle with a catalytic converter theft shield
Check Amazon for your vehicle make and model
Recent news stories about catalytic converter theft in North Carolina
Catalytic converter theft can happen anywhere, however, here are just a few examples of catalytic converter theft in North Carolina’s major cities:
Cary
Charlotte
Catalytic converter theft on the rise in Charlotte – WBTC News
Catalytic converter theft turns deadly in NC – Live 5 News
Charlotte business owner says catalytic converter thieves targeting his shop – FOX 46 Charlotte News
CMPD: Two Charged For Catalytic Converter Theft In Chantilly Neighborhood – WCCB Charlotte News
Concord
Concord Catalytic Converter Theft Ends in Gunfire, Police Chase – KPIX 5 News
Durham
Reports of catalytic converter thefts in Durham double in a year – CBS 17 News
Duo ‘caught red-handed’ stealing catalytic converters in Durham County, deputies say – CBS 17 News
Prius owners scramble to outwit thieves – 9th Street Journal
Fayetteville
Greensboro
Catalytic converter thefts on the rise in North Carolina – Spectrum News
As catalytic converter thefts spike, Greensboro drivers are left footing the bill – Fox 8 News
Greensboro residents share concerns over catalytic convertor thefts – Fox 8 News
Man charged in catalytic converter thefts from across Guilford County, sheriff’s office says. – News & Record
High Point
Man charged after being linked to string of catalytic converter thefts, High Point police say – – News & Record
Raleigh
Raleigh thieves stealing car part more valuable than gold – WRAL
Man stealing catalytic converter in NC fatally crushed, sheriff says – Fox 8 News
Central NC experiencing an upswing in catalytic converter thefts, authorities say – CBS 17 News
Wilmington
Wilmington police arrest, charge three for catalytic converter thefts – WECT News 6
Winston-Salem
Catalytic Converter Thefts on the Rise in the Triad – Dummit Fradin
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the state of North Carolina doing to prevent catalytic converter theft?
Senate Bill 99 was introduced in early 2021 and passed unanimously in both the North Carolina House of Representatives and Senate. It was signed into law by the Governor of North Carolina on 9-16-2021. The law went into effect in December of 2021.
Senate Bill 99 makes catalytic converter thefts a Class I felony and requires businesses that buy used catalytic converters to get documentation and maintain detailed records on people who sell the devices to them.
This law makes catalytic converter theft riskier as well as puts pressure on scrapyards and metal recyclers to check identification and maintain strong records. While this is a step in the right direction, the theft rate is so high, it is unlikely to reverse the rate significantly. Therefore all vehicle owners should take their own steps to prevent catalytic converter theft.
