Thieves Target Precious Metal in Cars

Toyota owners in South San Francisco have been on high alert , and the reason for the sudden burst in Toyota-specific thefts may be due to a tiny piece of precious metal inside the part.

The thefts, which began in the weeks preceding Christmas, have mostly targeted higher-sitting Toyota models like SUVs and 4Runners, and have often hit multiple vehicles per day. South San Francisco police officials were unable to comment on the crimes during the investigation, but a last week advised Toyota owners to take extra caution in where they park their vehicles.

Amanda Diridoni of said that a small amount of platinum contained in the part is one reason thieves have been targeting these vehicles. Toyotas, especially older models from between 1999 to 2002, are known to have trace amounts of platinum in their catalytic converters, according to Diridoni, and thieves tend to go for the quickest and easiest grab.

“They go mostly for the 4Runners, SUVs and trucks,” she said, explaining that the height of the vehicles makes it easier to obtain the prized part without having to use a jack and attract more attention, and that the piece can often be removed in a matter of minutes. “They can just slide right under the vehicle, saw it off and they’re out of there.”

While it may not be obvious at first glance that the part has been stolen, Diridoni said that drivers will know that something is wrong with their vehicles as soon as they turn on the ignition.

“It sounds like you don’t have a muffler,” she said, describing the loud, roaring noise cars make without catalytic converters.

Diridoni said that while the platinum contained in the part is usually valued at around $100, the cost for the car owner ends up being much higher, costing upwards of $1,200 to fix between parts and labor.

John Chin, a mechanic at , said that a Toyota Tacoma was brought into his shop this past Wednesday following a catalytic converter theft, and that the cost of repair often ranges closer to $2,000. Chin said that while he has not yet seen an increase of vehicles being brought in for replacement converters, he usually sees about one vehicle a month where the part has been stolen, and that thieves can often fetch anywhere from $100 to $150 for the entire part from a scrap metal dealer.

While neither police nor mechanics could provide a reason for the timing of the sudden outbreak of catalytic converter thefts, as of Wednesday afternoon the current New York spot price for platinum hit right around $1,500 per ounce.

Diridoni added that it is not unusual for phases of high-density thefts to come and go.

“It goes in spurts,” said Diridoni, who worked for Mercury Insurance for years before joining Daland. “I remember from estimates I did that we had a big outbreak about three years ago in the South Bay and Palo Alto areas.”

In their press release, police have advised that Toyota owners park their vehicles in garages or well-lit and travelled spots, and police are encouraging the public to report any suspicious activity.