Crime & Safety

Video: How Easy is it to Steal a Catalytic Converter?

Watch how quickly someone can cut through the exhaust pipe on a car while making almost no noise.

A Roseville resident's 2011 Toyota Tundra on Wednesday made for an obvious visual aid of the expensive problems that can arise when catalytic converters are stolen.

Only half of the truck's four catalytic converters were stolen–the thief botched the removal of the driver's side section–but the repairs will still cost about $4,000, Roseville Toyota Shop Foreman Michael Morrison said Wednesday.

He was demonstrating a on high-risk vehicles like trucks and SUVs. and three shops around town are donating the labor to paint and etch license plate numbers into the pricey parts.

Find out what's happening in Rosevillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

So how is it so many thieves so often make off with catalytic converters without anyone noticing? 

Morrison grabbed a chain pipe cutter, a common automotive tool that can be had for about $100, and demonstrated. Watch the video above to see how easy it is for thieves to quickly and quietly cut the exhaust pipe on a car, and click here to learn more about Roseville's free painting and etching program.

Find out what's happening in Rosevillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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