Catalytic converter thefts continue to rise
By Terry Murry on Monday, April 4th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UMATILLA COUNTY – Oregon has a new law on the books that clamps down on catalytic converter thefts. A similar measure is awaiting Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s signature. Umatilla County Sheriff Terry Rowan says it’s a problem in his jurisdiction.
“They’re pretty brazen, going into public areas and climbing underneath vehicles and taking them out,” he said. “We, of course, try to be really creative in how we capture these individuals.”
The Oregon law limits which recycling agencies can accept catalytic converters and those agencies must keep paperwork that attests to the legal ownership of the converter being sold. Washington’s proposed law requires scrap metal businesses to document the sale and establishes a grant program for law enforcement to stage stings to target metal thefts.
Catalytic converters contain varying amounts of rare metals, including platinum and rhodium. They can be salvaged for anywhere between $50 and $250, unless they are from a newer hybrid car. Those sell for anywhere from between $800 to $1,500. Rowan said the devices don’t look like much.
“I just find it hard to believe that there is value in such an inconspicuous piece of equipment on a vehicle, but there is,” he said.
