Platinum Theft: More On Recycling's Dark Side
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 01. 3.08
We recently posted about how theft of copper wire and tubing is a serious and growing problem affected by recycling and street drug markets - see Meth Heads Go For Recycling. Now that Platinum has become extremely valuable (up to US$1548/oz - preceding day market quote, per table), theft of catalytic converters also has emerged as a serious problem in the cities of California and several other US States. SUV's are primary targets. Apparently, welding the converter to the frame is the preferred deterrent.
This holiday season has seen an explosion in thefts of expensive, platinum-laced catalytic converters from parked cars, and authorities report that high-clearance sport utility vehicles are the targets of choice for thieves.With a common socket wrench and 90 seconds, they leave drivers stuck with cars that sound like Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and facing repair bills topping $1,000.
The prize is a catalytic converter, a device used to reduce emissions. Platinum is more valuable than gold, and the contents of a typical converter are worth $40 to $50 to scrap-metal dealers.
Some thieves use saws, but the preferred weapon in Southern California is a ratchet with a 14-millimeter socket. The thief crawls under the car and unfastens the bolts holding the converter, a process that accomplished crooks can complete in 90 seconds.
Via::Los Angeles Times, "Thieves target vehicles' catalytic converters" Image credit::Kitco, live market quotes
lets go back to leaded petrol so we won't need catalytic convertors!!!!
All of a sudden my diesel seems EVEN MORE eco friendly, no expensive platinum on my wheels!
yup commodity prices have risen tremendously overall, and precious metals even more. Gold just set a couple of records today...
Having done my share of exhaust maintenance, not all catalysts will be so quick and easy to remove. Newer catalysts can be sold as replacement parts for the most money. Older ones only have their still substantial scrap value.
The newest generation of diesels are tremendously impressive in their performance and have managed to limit their particulate emissions successfully, through the use of traps and other tech. Earlier diesels running high sulfer fuel had rather high emissions and would have clogged up any catalysts - so they were given a pass. Diesels are also highly dependent on being maintained well or their emissions will far outstrip the poorest performing gasoline engine. Ever driven behind a smoking diesel truck or bus?
Would a car underbody panel cover a converter?
Of course, I guess with a saw, this could just increase the repair bill...
A panel would also improve fuel mileage.
I wonder why more cars don't have them.
D.
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