Thieves are still active in stealing catalytic converters around Lenexa. This is primarily occurring at businesses that have fleet vehicles parked on-site overnight. We have also seen a slight increase in personal vehicles being targeted.

Stealing a catalytic converter only takes a few seconds but can be expensive to replace and costs businesses valuable time while their fleet vehicles are out of service. Here are few tips to help combat this crime.

• Park fleet vehicles in a well-lit area of the property. If possible, park inside a garage or gated area.
• Install exterior camera systems, and have them point to the property entrances, exits and the areas where fleet vehicles park overnight.
• If you have an existing camera system, be sure that it is functional.
• Avoid parking multiple vehicles side by side. Instead, space them out with at least one parking stall between each. This reduces the hiding areas for thieves between vehicles and increases their effort in moving from vehicle to vehicle.
• Use heat-resistant spray paint and stencils to create identifiers specific to your company on your catalytic converters. This could include company name, initials, last four digits of the vehicle’s VIN or some other unique marking. This marking could serve as a deterrent to potential thieves, or, in the event the catalytic converter is stolen, can help identify it as such to scrap yards or other law enforcement. Check with your local mechanic or muffler shop, as some provide this catalytic converter marking service.
• Check auto parts stores and online retailers for after-market catalytic converter theft deterrent products such as alarms, cages or other locking mechanisms.
• Report thefts or attempted thefts as soon as possible to the Lenexa Police Department.

Vehicles that have had their catalytic converter stolen will be extremely loud when started, and the noise will grow louder when pressing the gas pedal. Evidence left behind by thieves could include saw blades, gloves, flashlights and even discarded cigarette butts under or around your fleet vehicles.