(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Local law enforcement agencies are partnering with AAA to help deter catalytic converter thefts.
Catalytic converters are valuable and easy to steal.
The part neutralizes most pollutants from your car's exhaust. They are an attractive target to thieves because they are easy to steal.
Nick Jarmusz, spokesman for AAA Chicago, said that catalytic converters are worth big money on the resale market.
“Potentially sell them for scrap for thousands of dollars. The platinum and the palladium that's in the converter is really valuable and really expensive for vehicle owners to replace.”
Catalytic converter thefts are still a problem in Illinois.
“Illinois ranks number four in the country for the most reports of stolen converters,” Jarmusz said.
“So it's still a significant issue and a significant concern for auto owners.”
Jarmusz said 84 people made appointments to a theft prevention event at the Vernon Hills Police Department. Catalytic converters are etched with acid, which will make them easier to track and harder to steal.
“And it's then entered into an international database that, you know, will have your contact information so that if your converter does get stolen, show up in a scrap yard, they'll be able to return it to you a lot easier,” Jarmusz said.
The next catalytic converter etching event is planned for North Riverside.
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