Catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed in Texas over the last few years. In Houston alone, 2020 brought with it over 1800 reports of stolen catalytic converters. And by the summer of 2021, reports increased by 22%, to 2200.

This recent spike in catalytic converter thefts has left many Texas businesses feeling uneasy. Fleet managers and dealer principals are looking for ways to protect their vehicles. Catalytic converters are expensive to replace, costing between $1,000 - $2000 per car. Because of this, businesses need to take preventative measures as soon as possible against these costly thefts.

Remote guarding can help protect your fleet by ensuring that police respond to any attempted crime targeting your fleet, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Read on to learn more about the growing threat of catalytic converter thefts in Texas. We'll also tell you how remote guarding can protect your business from falling victim to thieves.

Why Are Catalytic Converters Stolen?

Catalytic converters are removed for the precious metals inside them. These valuable elements of the car exhaust system contain small amounts of platinum, palladium, and rhodium. High-tech products like cell phones and computers use these elements to function. These parts can fetch between $1000 - $10,000 an ounce on the black market. From there, they're sold to companies that use these materials to produce new products.

A Growing Problem in Texas

Texas currently ranks second among US states with reports of catalytic converter thefts. This number has jumped up from 2020 when the rank was fourth. Unfortunately, they're easy to steal, so the reward often outweighs the risk. Reports are expected to rise as thieves find more ways and reasons to remove these parts.

The Consequences of Having Your Catalytic Converter Stolen

Having catalytic converters stolen can lead to severe consequences. Individuals and businesses can suffer from the following issues:

1. Expensive and Difficult to Fix
   The most immediate consequence is the cost of replacing a converter with a new one. Replacement costs can easily total $1000 per car. Additionally, replacing a catalytic converter isn't an easy process. It often requires extensive repairs to the exhaust system. As a business owner, this could spell devastation as sometimes entire fleets are ransacked by criminals in a short window of time. This could also cripple new businesses that are starting out. It could affect an established company that has already built up a solid reputation as well.
   
2. Disables Cars
   An increase in these thefts can also create other problems for individuals, dealerships, and businesses alike. For example, people often rely on their vehicles to get them where they need to be. And every Catalytic converter is a necessity for cars, which means having yours stolen can leave you stranded until it's replaced.
   
3. Inspection Failures
   Catalytic converters are necessary for car emissions control and must be functional to pass state inspection. This means drivers who have their catalytic converters removed may not be able to drive legally without a replacement part. This could stall a functioning business that regularly rents or sells its cars to customers.
   
   
4. Repeat Thefts
   Finally, having your catalytic converter stolen can become a recurring problem if it isn't properly addressed. Once thieves have found out how easy and lucrative this crime is to commit, they'll return time after time. And if your security measures aren't up to date, they'll know your business is defenceless against repeat attacks.

How Remote Guarding Can Protect You

Remote guarding makes it impossible for thieves to disable your car's security system. The remote monitoring feature allows you to easily track the location of your vehicle at all times, even if there are obstacles between you and the car. Here are some of the beneficial ways that remote guarding can protect you:

Video Monitoring
Superior video monitoring provides you with an incredibly detailed view of what's happening around cars. This technology allows for real-time alerts and automatic recording. As a result, you can monitor suspicious activities as they happen, even if no one is there to see them.

Crime Detection and Prevention
Remote guarding also comes equipped with a crime detection feature capable of detecting exactly when a car has been stolen. This allows for an immediate response, which can be especially helpful if your vehicle is on the move before you're able to catch it.

Command Center Support
Finally, you'll be able to rest easy knowing that all of these features are tied into a command center. A professional team will monitor suspicious activities around your car and respond quickly with an alarm if there's any sign of criminal activity.

24/7 Protection for Your Business
With remote guarding, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your cars are protected day and night. This advanced technology allows for round-the-clock security with active monitoring, which means that no matter what time of day your vehicle is stolen, you'll get an immediate response.

Who Can Benefit From Remote Guarding?

Businesses of all sizes and industries can benefit from remote guarding. Let's take a look:

Transportation Services
Fleet managers for transportation services like taxis, limousines, and ride-sharing companies rely on their vehicles to make their business possible. If these cars are stolen or vandalized, it can leave the company crippled until they're replaced.
Remote guarding gives fleet managers real-time updates about what's happening around their vehicles at all times, so they can keep their business running smoothly.

Dealerships
Thieves frequently target dealerships. This is because they can bring in thousands of dollars from stolen parts. For example, they could take hundreds of catalytic converters from a single lot. And oftentimes, they can accomplish this without anyone noticing.
With remote guarding, you'll be able to keep an eye on your inventory and respond if there's any sign of criminal activity.

Rental Companies
Businesses with large fleets will find that remote guarding can provide them with the security they need to protect their business.
Remote guarding makes it easy for rental companies to protect their fleet from theft or vandalism. They can feel safe knowing that their rentals will be waiting in perfect condition for customers that need to rent a ride.

Stop Catalytic Converter Thieves in Their Tracks

Don't let catalytic converter thefts continue to plague Texas and your business! At Radius Security, we offer our one-of-a-kind "Red Handed" Remote Guarding Security Solution. It uses a proprietary blend of Human Detection Technology and closed-circuit camera systems to keep your business safe from reckless thieves and costly damage.

Our tech not only eliminates false alarms but also ensures priority response time for law enforcement.
Contact us today about Redhanded; a Radius Security Specialist will contact you within 24 hours. Don't just scare them away; put them away.