Catalytic Convert Theft

How Can I Protect Against Loss of My Catalytic Converter?

1. Reduce opportunity for total car theft and component theft by locking your car and taking your keys. Every time. If your vehicle is stolen, it may be recovered but your catalytic converter could be removed in the meantime.
2. When not in use, park your car in a secure area, such as a residential garage or secure lot.
3. If you can not park your car in a garage, secure your vehicle. Lock your car. Take your keys.  Remove or hide valuables from the vehicle to not add “incentive” to the burglary, component theft, or total vehicle theft.
4. Contact your insurance company representative to see if your policy covers catalytic converter theft, and if not, what options you may have to add this coverage.
5. Contact CATPA for a free catalytic converter marking label and additional information  regarding other steps you may be able to take to help secure your vehicle and your vehicle’s catalytic converter. Please send an email to cdps_catpa@state.co.us for further information or visit the Events page to see what opportunities exist in your area.
6. Additional information regarding Catalytic Converter label pick up and installation events can be found on our Events page

How Do Catalytic Converter Etching Labels Protect My Vehicle?

Catalytic Converter Etching Labels are a unique adhesive label that are heat proof, tamper proof, and destruct proof. When installed, the label is coated with a unique marking fluid that is heat activated. This fluid is activated by the natural operation of the vehicle and then uses the label like a stencil to physically etch all of the vital label information into the catalytic converter. Generally, these kits includes two window labels to warn would-be thieves that the vehicle is protected. The etching label itself is a great deterrent against theft, but in the event the catalytic converter is stolen -the label, when registered, has a hard connection within a national law enforcement database to the vehicles VIN number.

What does that mean? Firstly, in the event of a theft, when reported that label number becomes marked as stolen in the catalytic converter label database and the national law enforcement database. Allowing for recyclers and law enforcement to identify the stolen as stolen if they come across it. This also means that it greatly increases law enforcements ability to track and take action against catalytic converter thieves.