Why are people stealing catalytic converters?

Question

How would you know if yours is stolen? In the police reports, I see people giving widely varied accounts of how much they are worth, from $500 to $3000. How would you know?

Answer 1

You would know that it's stolen because your exhaust would be very loud as if you didn't have a muffler. They steal them because depending on the area you can get anywhere from $100 to $200 at the scrap yards.

Answer 2

Converters are normally welded into the exhaust system ahead of the muffler. As soon as you started the car, the noise would tell you. There are high priced metals in the converter and thats why they are being stolen.

Answer 3

because they have platinum in them. i don't know how you'd know, but i do know they are stolen for the precious metals.

Answer 4

because some people are lazy to work and think thats the right way to live and there worth alot of money

Answer 5

The replacement cost for the converters is what varies greatly depending on year,make and model of car.

Most Chevrolet's can be replaced for $500. But Suzuki Verona's have 2 converters costing $2500 each!