Las Vegas Man Deals With Catalytic Converter Theft in the Midst of Financial Heartache

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (702 Times, NV Globe) – The valley’s persistent wave of catalytic converter thefts has created not just financial but also emotional hardship for those who can’t afford repairs.

“It’s quite annoying. I’ve been under a lot of pressure. “I’ve stayed at home and sobbed, and there’s no one to help me,” Raymond Martin explained.

In November, someone stole a catalytic converter from Martin’s van at his apartment complex. A few of months later, he is still struggling with the aftermath. Martin had to first deal with insurance.

“That medicine was on for more than 30 days. I went through four different case managers before reaching an agreement. I rented a vehicle for 30 days. “It wasn’t long enough,” Martin complained.

He claims that the insurance company totalled his automobile due to the high expense of repairs. He subsequently used insurance money to purchase another van, but it is currently having mechanical problems.

“The transmission started slipping on me,” said Martin.

He claims that the van would not pass emissions tests due to an issue with the oxygen sensor. He estimates that the repairs will cost roughly $4000. Martin claims he spent $2500 on the vehicle.

Precious metals included within a converter purify the exhaust of your vehicle. Thieves steal converters because some of the metals contained within them can be worth more than gold. A skilled thief can steal one in under a minute.

Martin claims he cannot afford to fix his car and is concerned that if the van breaks down, he would be unable to attend doctors’ appointments or travel to the food store.

“It’s not fair to me. I’m a nice person. I didn’t do anything to anyone, and they steal my catalytic converter and I’m suffering because of it,” said Martin.

According to new data from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, recorded catalytic converter thefts increased by 38% between 2021 and 2022. In 2022, there were 2625 recorded thefts, compared to 1894 in 2021. According to Metro data, there were just five recorded thefts in 2018. And, from 2020 to 2021, there was a significant increase in thefts, which is linked to persons wanting to make a fast cash during the Covid epidemic. According to Metro, actual thefts might be five times greater than recorded thefts.

People can safeguard their converters by installing a metal plate or cage over them. Several firms in the valley provide the service, and they claim it is extremely tough for a burglar to remove. According to businesses, a burglar may not even attempt to steal a converter with a metal plate or cage fitted.

Metro police encourage consumers to VIN label their converters in order to assist trace a probable suspect to a converter theft. Some argue that having a VIN-etched converter indicates to a metal recycler that the converter has been stolen. The government also recommends victims to report all thefts, even if they are not covered by insurance, in order to assist discover trends.

Martin has put up a Gofundme page to assist pay for van repairs.

Credits: FOX 5 VEGAS