ARIZONA NEWS

Valley auto group promotes technology to combat catalytic converter thefts

Jun 8, 2022, 4:45 AM

This photo provided by the Phoenix Police Department shows stolen catalytic converters that were re...

This photo provided by the Phoenix Police Department shows stolen catalytic converters that were recoverd after detectives served a search warrant at a storage unit in Phoenix on Thursday, May 27, 2022. The bust came amid a national surge in thefts of the pricy auto parts that play a critical in reducing vehicle emissions and has led lawmakers in 36 states and in Washington D.C. to consider new laws to address the problem. (Phoenix Police Department via AP)

(Phoenix Police Department via AP)

PHOENIX — Catalytic converter thefts are growing in the Valley and an auto group is hoping to help combat the problem by promoting technology that can track the component.

Jason Church, the chief operating officer of Courtesy Automotive Group, which has multiple dealerships around the Valley, said catalytic converter thefts were up 6,500% in 2021 from 2020.

“We’re seeing in Phoenix a staggering increase in theft of converters,” Church said.

Catalytic converters are being stolen from cars for the valuable metals used to make them.

Phoenix police arrested a man several weeks ago after they found 1,200 catalytic converters in a storage unit, many believed to be stolen.

When something like this happens, Church said police encounter a problem.

“When these catalytic converters are stolen … when the police find them, there’s no way for them to be able to tie it back to the vehicle it was stolen from,” he said.

A possible solution to that issue is SafeCat, a tag that tracks a catalytic converter back to the original vehicle.

“It’s a code that goes on your catalytic converter,” Church said. “It actually gets etched in as well, so it’s non-removable.”

The SafeCat tag is put into a database and linked to the car’s VIN number.

Courtesy dealerships are offering an installation of a SafeCat tag for free this week, either by appointment or with normal service.

Having a catalytic converter tagged may not help victims in the immediate aftermath of its theft as the average cost to replace the stolen component is between $1,000 to $3,000, not to mention the inconvenience of getting a repair.

However, Church hopes measures like this will help in the long term.

“It’ll really give [police] a tool,” Church said. “[Because] they can look at this database and connect the stolen catalytic converter back to the car. That will give us more teeth in terms of prosecuting and help prevent this kind of theft.”

Courtesy Automotive Group’s SafeCat promotion runs while supplies last.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

File photo of a trout swimming. Saturday, June 3, 2023, is Free Fishing Day in Arizona....

KTAR.com

Catch them while you can: Saturday is Free Fishing Day in Arizona

Fishing licenses won't be required at Arizona's state waters or community lakes Saturday as part of National Fishing Day.

13 hours ago

Photo of Rep. Juan Ciscomani of Arizona talks to reporters on Capitol Hill on Feb. 28, 2023. Ciscom...

Kevin Stone

GOP Rep. Juan Ciscomani of Arizona explains why he voted to lift debt ceiling

U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani of Arizona said Friday the deal to life the debt ceiling isn't perfect, but it beats the alternative.

13 hours ago

(Arizona Lottery)...

Danny Shapiro

$50 scratch-off ticket winner hits top prize of $5 million in Arizona

There's been a first top prize winner of $5 million for a $50 scratch-off ticket game that debuted in Arizona earlier this year.

13 hours ago

flags at state capitol executive tower and Hobbs holding rainbow flags...

KTAR.com

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs hangs flags at Capitol to celebrate Pride Month

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs announced Thursday the unveiling of rainbow flags in downtown Phoenix to celebrate the beginning of Pride Month.

13 hours ago

(Facebook Photo/Phoenix Police Department, file)...

KTAR.com

Police seek suspect in fatal shooting at Phoenix apartment complex

Police are searching for the suspect in the fatal shooting of a man at a Phoenix apartment complex, authorities said.

13 hours ago

Traffic on westbound Interstate 10 in Phoenix was jammed up during June 2, 2023, Friday morning rus...

KTAR.com

Interstate 10 backed up in Phoenix after rush hour crash

Traffic on westbound Interstate 10 in Phoenix was jammed up in Phoenix during Friday morning rush hour after a crash near 35th Avenue.

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center

5 mental health myths you didn’t know were made up

Helping individuals understand mental health diagnoses like obsessive compulsive spectrum disorder or generalized anxiety disorder isn’t always an easy undertaking. After all, our society tends to spread misconceptions about mental health like wildfire. This is why being mindful about how we talk about mental health is so important. We can either perpetuate misinformation about already […]

...

Desert Institute for Spine Care

Spinal fusion surgery has come a long way, despite misconceptions

As Dr. Justin Field of the Desert Institute for Spine Care explained, “we've come a long way over the last couple of decades.”

(Desert Institute for Spine Care in Arizona Photo)...

Desert Institute for Spine Care in Arizona

5 common causes for chronic neck pain

Neck pain can debilitate one’s daily routine, yet 80% of people experience it in their lives and 20%-50% deal with it annually.

Valley auto group promotes technology to combat catalytic converter thefts