Last year at this time, thieves were stealing catalytic converters right and left, but John Ricardi with Crosstown USC told KNX News' Jon Baird, that the latest LAPD stats show the numbers are finally coming down.
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For four consecutive months last year, "There were more than 800 catalytic converter thefts in Los Angeles... And in October, there were only 287 catalytic converter thefts," Ricardi said.
He attributes the nearly two-thirds drop in thefts to several factors, including a significant price decrease for precious metals used to make the converter. Metals like Rhodium and Platinum, in particular, are worth a fraction of what they were a few years ago.
So, these precious metals aren't so precious anymore, which is excellent news for car owners who've been shelling out a ton of money to replace their stolen converters.
"It's very common to spend for someone who has their catalytic converter stolen to spend $2000 3000 dollars or more," Ricardi said.
The decline isn't just here in Los Angeles, Ricardi said stricter laws and intense efforts by law enforcement to dismantle some of the country's largest catalytic converter theft rings have the numbers dropping nationwide - insurance companies are reporting the drop-off as well.
Still, you might want to park your car in a garage when you can, just in case.
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