Catalytic Converter Theft Continues to be Problem in Lakes Area

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – Catalytic converter theft has become a growing problem across the nation as well as in the Lakes Area.

More than 14,000 catalytic converters were stolen in the U.S. in 2020 and in the first five months of 2021 that number was up to almost 26,000.

Catalytic convert theft is a growing problem in the Lakes Area as well, more than a dozen have been reported stolen in Becker County in recent months, multiple in Frazee just last Sunday, Oct. 10.

Criminals are targeting catalytic converters for the valuable metals located inside of them. The converters filter the exhaust, scrubbing harmful substances out of it through chemical reactions. It does this by sending hot exhaust gasses through a honeycomb of rare metals like palladium. Palladium sold for about $500 an ounce in 2016 but fetches $2,636 today. Rhodium, also common in catalytic converters, sold for $640 an ounce five years ago. Today, it goes for about $17,050 an ounce.

Experts say parking inside is the best defense if you’re worried about your car’s catalytic converter being stolen. Where that’s not an option, park in well-lit areas and consider installing a security camera.