AAA has released its list of top counties in Texas with the highest levels of catalytic converter thefts Monday.
Here are the top counties for catalytic converter theft:
- No. 1 – Harris County
- No. 2 – Fort Bend
- No. 3 – Dallas
- No. 4 – Bexar
Joshua Zuber, public affairs for AAA Texas, explains why there is a rise in this crime and ways to prevent it from happening to you or your family.
AAA Texas offers the following tips to prevent catalytic converter theft:
- When possible, park in well-lit areas and close to building entrances.
- If you have a garage at your house, park your car inside and keep the garage door shut.
- If you own a high clearance vehicle like a truck or SUV, store it in a secure location.
- Have the catalytic converter welded to your car’s frame, which may make it harder to steal.
- Look into buying a converter-protection device that has been developed for the Prius and other vehicles targeted by thieves.
- Consider engraving your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the catalytic converter – this may help alert a scrap dealer that it was stolen and make it easier to find the owner.
- Security devices, such as locks, are available that attach to the converter, making it harder to steal.
- Calibrate your car’s alarm to go off when it detects vibration.
- Carry a good insurance policy. Most insurance companies cover replacement costs if the vehicle owner has the optional comprehensive coverage, which covers damage to a vehicle not caused by a crash.
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