Thefts of Catalytic Converters Warning to ESS

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Thefts of Catalytic Converters Warning to ESS

[Excerpt from Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC), INFOGRAM 7-08, February 22, 2008]

In February 2007, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) wrote that increasing thefts of copper from electrical lines, substations, and distribution lines were degrading the reliability of the regional electrical grid and could potentially disrupt Emergency Services Sector (ESS) communications and operations. Such thefts continue nationwide because the stolen materials command high prices from scrap-metal dealers.

To keep emergency leaders apprised of another emerging trend that can degrade assets, thieves are stealing catalytic converters, a component of automotive exhaust systems, because prices of precious metals continue to rise. Law enforcement reports indicate that there has been a dramatic increase in thefts of the components in recent months. Although catalytic converters have only small traces of the metals platinum, palladium and/or rhodium, stolen converters can be resold for up to $200 each to scrap-metal dealers. The units do not have serial numbers that can be used for tracking.

Because the converters are mounted on the exterior undercarriage of vehicles, they can be removed in several minutes with any standard metal cutting tool. According to a report from msnbc.com, the theft of a vehicle’s catalytic converter not only renders an exhaust system inoperable, it can be dangerous: “On some of these cars, if that pipe gets cut off near some wiring or a fuel line or a gas tank—which in some cases are not shielded—there is a possibility of a fire and/or explosion.”

An individual was arrested several months ago after being caught stealing the converters from vehicles in the impound lot of a state highway patrol. A Baltimore County, Maryland, police auto theft team sergeant told msnbc.com, “Unless you can garage your vehicle 24 hours a day, anyone can climb under your car and cut off the catalytic converter.” The EMR-ISAC asserts that thefts of the converters from emergency services’ staff cars, cruisers, unmarked vehicles, and SUVs, i.e., ESS assets, would necessitate repairs that take vehicles out of service, create a potential explosion hazard, and affect departments’ resilience and “response-ability.”

The INFOGRAM is distributed weekly to provide members of the Emergency Services Sector with information concerning the protection of their critical infrastructures. For further information, contact the Emergency Management and Response- Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) at (301) 447-1325 or by e-mail at emr-isac@dhs.gov.