Thefts of catalytic converters are on the rise nationwide and central Illinois is seeing more than its fair share of the crime. A catalytic converter is an emission control device that converts toxic gasses and pollutants into cleaner air by way of a chemical reaction. Thieves target converters because they contain three valuable metals: platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Rhodium, the most valuable of the 3 metals, is currently selling for $600 per gram. Typically, these thefts occur between midnight and 5:00 A.M. and involve the thief getting under a vehicle and cutting the part out with a saw. A skilled thief with the proper tools can cut a converter out and be gone in under 3 minutes. The Mail reached out to two local police chiefs - Mackinaw’s Michael Kemp and Stanford’s Dustin Carter - for their perspective on the issue.

Both men acknowledge that the theft of catalytic converters is a rising problem in the area. Since the start of 2021, Mackinaw has seen 4 different cases while Chief Carter tells me that Stanford police have investigated 2 different cases in the past year. In comparison, Peoria has seen over 100 cases in the past year alone. Chief Carter points out that The National Insurance Crime Bureau has reported a 325% increase in thefts nationwide. Chief Carter goes on to explain how a catalytic converter turns into cash for a would-be thief. “Once stolen from someone, these are often sold to various metal recyclers, who can pay up to $800 for each catalytic converter, depending on the vehicle it came from - hybrid and luxury vehicles use more of the metals, and thus, demand a higher valuation.  Reputable recyclers will question the person selling the converter, often asking for identification, but for every reputable recycler that does due diligence, there are those who do not, which further complicates the problem.”

We also asked both Chiefs what one could do to prevent their vehicle from being targeted by thieves looking for a quick payday. Chief Kemp explains, “The best advice that I can provide for this is to park in well lit areas, add additional lighting if necessary. (Use) Camera systems, and spend the extra money to get good camera systems. Be vigilant and pay attention to suspicious or unfamiliar vehicles and or persons and try to get as much information as you can, including but not limited to, plate numbers and physical descriptions of the individuals.” Chief Carter agrees, and takes it a step further - “More involved steps involve taking your vehicle to a mechanic and having them install a security device around the converter.  There are frames/shields capable of bolting around the converter making it very difficult to remove.  It is also recommended that you etch the license plate number and/or the VIN into the converter somewhere so it could be identified in a police investigation.”

The improving weather has provided much relief to area motorists. Temperatures have rebounded, and the weekend saw above freezing temps to melt away remaining snow patches.