With reports of catalytic converter theft on the rise in Canada, keeping your commercial fleet safe is more important than ever. The costly theft of these components can seriously impact the safety and operation of your fleet and cause financial losses that could have been avoided with proper preventive measures.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how facility managers, business owners, and IT personnel can work together to safeguard their fleets from these increasingly common criminal activities – so you can keep up with regular operations without having to worry about potential security threats.
Table of Contents
What is a catalytic converter?
A catalytic converter is an emissions control device designed to reduce exhaust pollutants from internal combustion engines. A catalytic converter uses a special chamber called a catalyst to convert the hazardous gases emitted by an engine into less harmful emissions, such as steam.
Catalytic converters are used on most modern vehicles and play an important role in reducing air pollution. A well-maintained catalytic converter ensures that your vehicle runs efficiently and helps to protect our environment.
Catalytic converters and Canadian law
Catalytic converters are required by Canadian law to be installed in all vehicles manufactured after 1975. Those found with an unattached catalytic converter must now provide either a valid business license for an automotive repair or auto parts supply or proof of transport permit from the RCMP. Failure to do so may result in a hefty fine: $1,000 per converter.
The Issues Caused by the Theft of catalytic converters
The theft of catalytic converters is a serious problem for individuals and businesses alike. Not only does it cause financial losses through damages to vehicles, but it can also lead to a wide variety of other issues
Increase in the cost of car repairs
Thefts of catalytic converters have a huge impact on the cost of car repairs, with an average repair costing up to $3000. This is because catalytic converters contain precious metals such as platinum and palladium, which are highly sought after by thieves. The theft of these parts not only leads to higher costs for car owners but also reduces the overall efficiency of the vehicle.
The financial impact on service companies
Catalytic converter thefts are a major problem in many areas, with costly financial impacts on service companies. When vehicles are left for repairs and the catalytic converter is stolen, the vehicle cannot be used until the part is replaced. This can lead to significant delays and higher labor costs, making it difficult for service companies to remain competitive.
Furthermore, these thefts can add financial strain on the vehicle owners who must purchase a replacement catalytic converter or risk costly fines and other penalties. This can make it difficult for individuals to remain financially secure, especially those living on a tight budget.
Environmental impact
Catalytic converter thefts have a major environmental impact due to the pollutant gases that are released into the atmosphere. Pollutant gases such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons create smog that is linked to several health issues including asthma and lung cancer.
A study by the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that for every catalytic converter theft, an additional 10 tons of carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. This additional pollution can have a significant impact on air quality, especially in densely populated areas. In addition to environmental impacts, stolen catalytic converters can cost thousands of dollars to replace and can cause costly downtime for businesses and vehicle owners.
Prevention measures to protect your business
Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise, and it can be difficult to know how to protect your vehicle. Here are some tips for prevention measures you can take to ensure your car won’t fall victim to catalytic converter thieves.
Park your vehicle fleet in a secure space
Making sure that your vehicle fleet is parked in a secure area. When possible, park your vehicles in an enclosed and well-lit space, such as a parking garage or lot with controlled access entry. Additionally, consider installing motion-activated lighting around your vehicles to deter would-be thieves. Taking these simple steps can be the difference between preventing and becoming a victim of catalytic converter theft.
Adding a perimeter fence to your yard
Another way to protect yourself from catalytic converter theft is to install a perimeter fence around the area where your vehicles are parked. This will make it difficult for would-be thieves to access the vehicle and its components, including the catalytic converter. Make sure that you choose a high-quality fence with secure locks or blocking mechanisms to ensure the highest level of protection.
Hire a security guard service
Hiring a security guard service can be a viable solution for businesses looking to protect their property and investments. Security guards provide an extra layer of protection, actively patrolling the premises and responding to suspicious activity. However, it is important to consider the cost of such a service before making a commitment. Security guard services can be quite expensive, so it is important to consider the budget and determine if this is an expense that can be managed.
Live Camera monitoring
Installing a live camera monitoring system is the best way to avoid catalytic converter theft. Security cameras may act as a deterrent, but they are not enough to stop criminals in real-time. Having a live video monitoring service allows you to detect suspicious activity immediately and take steps to prevent theft from happening. This service can alert authorities right away and provide evidence for follow-up investigation.
The proactive approach of using live video monitoring is especially useful for businesses that have high-value assets or are located in areas where crime rates are higher than average. Having live camera monitoring in place can also act as an invaluable deterrent, helping you protect your property from criminals before they even attempt to commit a crime.
Types of surveillance camera systems
Installing a surveillance camera system is a great way to deter thieves and protect your vehicle from catalytic converter theft. There are various types of cameras available in the market that you can choose from. Here are some of the most popular types of surveillance camera systems:
Dome Camera
Dome cameras have a dome-shaped design and are often used for indoor surveillance. They are great for deterring theft as their design makes it difficult for intruders to tell where the camera is pointing.
PTZ Camera
PTZ stands for Pan, Tilt, Zoom. PTZ cameras can be remotely controlled to pan, tilt, and zoom in on specific areas. They are great for covering large areas and can be programmed to move automatically, tracking any suspicious movements.
Bullet Camera
Bullet cameras have a cylindrical shape and are often used for outdoor surveillance. They are great for deterring theft and vandalism as they have a more visible design.
Multi-Sensor Cameras
Multi-sensor cameras have multiple lenses that capture different angles of the same scene. They are great for covering large areas and can provide a 360-degree view of your property.
Mini Camera
Mini cameras are small and discreet, making them great for hidden surveillance. They can be easily concealed and are often used to catch thieves in the act. It’s also important to ensure that the cameras are installed in a strategic location where they can effectively monitor your property and deter potential thieves. The cameras can capture video footage of any suspicious activity, such as someone attempting to tamper with a vehicle’s catalytic converter, and can provide valuable evidence to law enforcement in the event of a theft. Additionally, the mere presence of cameras can act as a deterrent to potential thieves, reducing the risk of theft.
Final thoughts
In recent years, criminals have been taking advantage of the valuable metals found in catalytic converters. This is not only incredibly costly for businesses forced to replace them, but it also results in operational disruptions that can be damaging to a business. To protect your commercial vehicle fleet from these types of thefts, take action now and choose live camera monitoring. Don’t let your hard-earned investment go to waste. Don’t wait until you become their next victim and suffer the financial consequences; keep yourself one step ahead with preventive measures today.
Written by : Carlo Di Leo
At the age of 24, with no experience in the security industry or any money in the bank, Carlo quit his job and started Spotter Security from his parent's basement. Founded in 2004, Spotter grew from a single man operation into a multi-million dollar security system integrator that caters to businessess and construction sites across Canada.