Toyota of Santa Cruz to Give Free Security Fix for Catalytic Converters

In response to a slew of local catalytic converter thefts, Toyota of Santa Cruz is offering to upgrade the security on the expensive parts for free for the next two weeks.

The program will continue in January if a customer is having other services performed.

Thieves stole a dozen converters in Santa Cruz last month and the thefts are a problem nationwide. Catalytic converters, used to purify exhaust fumes, are built with precious metals such as platinum and secured by only a couple of bolts.

Toyota trucks have been the most popular victims because they are high off the ground and provide easier access for thieves. Converters can be sold at metal recyclers, usually out of state, because California laws require purchasers to document the sales.

It costs between $800 and $1,500 to buy one, and another $125 to put it in, depending on the damage done in ripping it out.

"It's such an epidemic," said Toyota service manager Steve Vollers. "We want to try and prevent this from happening. You go out in the morning and start your truck and it sounds like a diesel truck, you are looking at a minimum of $1,000."

In the security program, which would normally cost $62.50 in labor,  converters will be welded, instead of bolted and will have the car's license number engraved on it so it can be found if stolen. They came up with a couple of other security tricks they asked not to have publicized.

"We're hoping to make life a little more difficult for the thieves," said Santa Cruz Police Deputy Chief Steve Clark, who contacted the car dealer after the thefts to see what they could do to prevent more.

Santa Cruz Police had eight thefts reported in one night at the end of November, but they have been a popular target county and nation wide.