WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — AAA is working to help people prevent thefts through awareness events.
The free catalytic converter anti-theft event is a collaboration between AAA, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, and National Insurance Crime Bureau.
The event gives AAA members and non-members the chance to have a unique number etched onto their converter, which can be used to track it down in the case of theft. Catalytic converters are often targeted because of their high value.
Some converters can cost as much as $3,500 and can be stolen in as little as five minutes.
Director of Car Care Scott Stilwell said there are a few ways you can prevent theft before it happens.
“Park in a lit area, if you have a garage or have access to that then utilize the garage, he said. “Other options are try not to park where you’re isolated, where it’s easy access.”
According to Carfax, there were more than 150,000 catalytic converter thefts in 2022.
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