ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – According to UCF Police, since Sunday, multiple catalytic converters have been reported stolen from vehicles parked on campus.
The catalytic converter's function is to reduce toxic gas your vehicle's emissions system produces. Inside the part is what thieves are truly after: Precious metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium that sell for hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars on the black market.
The thefts all occurred on the B and C surface lots of the UCF main campus.
Brandee Wilcox is the owner of Wilcox and Son Auto Repair in Orlando. He says you’ll know if your catalytic convertor is stolen, because your car will be very loud. It also won’t smell too good, either.
“You would be breathing exhaust fumes," Wilcox begins to explain. "It could be coming up through the floor board of your car. So, that would not be recommended to be driving without exhaust. That's why the pipe is out the back of the vehicle.”
Last month, the Brevard Humane Society’s truck had its catalytic converter stolen in minutes.
UCF Police also say that similar activity like this has been reported off campus in Orange County.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office suggests parking in well lit areas or parking garages that are monitored.
They also recommend writing your car’s VIN on the converter with a UV pen.