West Seattle Crime Watch: Park-and-Ride catalytic-converter theft

Just got this note from the victim, who wants to anonymously share this warning:

Just wanted to alert anyone that parks at this park & ride (9000 Olson Pl SW; map). Yesterday the catalytic converter was “cut” out from under my 1999 Toyota 4-Runner. It must have happened during broad daylight. I was parked there from 8:30 to 5:00 pm.

6 Replies to "West Seattle Crime Watch: Park-and-Ride catalytic-converter theft"

  • big gulps,eh? well, see ya later. November 25, 2008 (11:46 am)

    There seems to be a trend with Toyota vehicles. What do the thieves do with the catalitic converts? Do they sell them to mechanics who replace them on other cars, or are they interested in them as scrap metal?

  • WSB November 25, 2008 (11:51 am)

    Sold for scrap metal. Apparently they contain a small amount of very pricey platinum.

  • JayDee November 25, 2008 (6:14 pm)

    I worked doing an audit of car scrap yards and the cat converters can go for $300-$400 bucks apiece. They typically lock the ones they salvage up as soon as possible. It is quite the profit center when you imagine what they paid for the junkers in the first place. Federal rules say you cannot buy used catalytic oxidizers.

    A 4-Runner might either have a valuable catalytic oxidizer, or it might just be easier to cut off without a jack, which is my bet. I was told BMWs have some of the more expensive ones, but getting under one is a bit of a challenge.

  • kdr December 6, 2008 (2:45 pm)

    In October, my 80s era Toyota PU catalytic converter was stolen from my driveway in the Top Hat area. Other cars in the driveway were not targeted.

    KC Sheriff told me the following when I filed a report.

    – 80’s and 90’s era Toyota trucks and 4-Runners are targeted because the catalytic converter is easily accessible and has a high scrap value. (My truck model has four easily reached bolts)
    – It is the platinum in these models that is desired. The stolen cats are worth about $50-$75.
    – Although West Seattle to Burien seems to be targeted lately, no area of the county is immune.

    From the muffler shop:
    – The after market catalytic converters are stolen less often because they contain no platinum. Their scrap value is about $10.
    – New install of after market converter was about $175.

    The thieves are problem enough, but it appears to me that unscrupulous recyclers create the market. Hope they get busted and receive long sentences.

  • naomi December 10, 2008 (7:41 pm)

    this happened at the federal way park & ride in federal way on 21st – to my mom’s car twice in the last six months – well the first time they cut it in 3 different spots and didnt get it – i still had to get it fixed and spend more money then the theives got selling the part!! today they took it and they were successful…

    you would think that with more people opt-ing for public transportation that there would be more concern with METRO or the police dept so that it would encourage people to ride the bus more…but no.

    we are going to spend another 450 to get it fixed…thats 900 total this year…and with that said – my mom could of just drove the 10 miles to work and spend less on gas – and time

  • CC January 6, 2009 (12:04 pm)

    This JUST happened to my SUV last night. It was parked just above Avalon Way. Watch out West Seattle neighbors, this is not a fun process to have to go through.

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