With a tightening economy, thefts of catalytic converters still a concern

Back in February, I posted news concerning local talk at area auctions among used car dealers. It was about an increase in thefts of catalytic converters from underneath vehicles. With the rising value of precious metals, payouts for these parts (which often contain such metals) are worth the risk for thieves, who will grab the parts quickly by slipping underneath a vehicle with a battery powered hand-saw.

With the tightening economy, such thefts continue to be problematic.

I don't know what the policies are with our local recyclers when it comes to handing over payment for such parts, but this news story reports that in Kentucky, recyclers must copy the driver’s license of anyone trying to sell them metal. They must also hold recently purchased materials for a month to allow stolen items to be reclaimed. Those requirements are not unreasonable.