Chances are most drivers don't even know where the device is on their automobiles. But crooks do. The City of Lakewood and Lakewood Sheriff’s Station is monitoring the increasing number of catalytic converter thefts in the county.

A vehicle's catalytic converter is a part of the exhaust system that reduces the toxicity of emissions from an internal combustion engine. Catalytic converters have been required by law on every motor vehicle operated in the United States since 1975 and are located underneath the car. They contain expensive precious metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium.

Depending on the make of vehicle, catalytic converters can be removed in less than two minutes and may require only one wrench. It is not something that is immediately noticed missing . . . until drivers start their cars. Motorists will hear a very loud exhaust noise when starting their vehicles since the exhaust will no longer go through their muffler.

How to protect your car from theft

Common sense solutions will help thwart thieves. Try to park in a safe and secure place, where a stranger underneath the vehicle would be instantly suspicious. When possible, park in the garage instead of on the driveway or in the street.

Residents are advised to call 911 if they see someone underneath a parked vehicle, especially late at night or other times when there are little to no other people around.

Car alarm installers can install an additional sensor to converters that set off the vehicle’s alarm when the thieves attempt to steal it. For less than $50 dollars, most automotive repair shops or muffler shops can tack weld the nut and bolt which should prevent most thieves from easily unbolting the assembly.

Engraving

Additionally, one can engrave their Driver's License number (but NOT their SSN) on their converter. Having this information engraved on your converter can assist law enforcement officials in returning the converter to you if it is recovered, and will also assist in the prosecution of the offender.

Businesses who do engraving near Lakewood

The following automotive businesses took part in Lakewood Station’s “Etch and Catch” engraving program in May, 2008. Interested residents should call to arrange for engraving of their catalytic converter and check on the cost of the service.

Big “O” Tires
9075 Artesia Blvd., Bellflower

562-461-8575

Orlando Luzzi 76 Service
4870 Bellflower Blvd., Lakewood
562-425-1603

Paramount Collision
7771 Alondra Blvd., Paramount

(562) 529-7000

S and J Auto Center
12345 Carson St., Hawaiian Gardens

562-860-5611

Transmission & Muffler Service
16627 Pioneer Blvd., Artesia