FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2021
Contact: Amanda Priest
Amanda Priest, (501) 414-2223
Amanda.Priest@ArkansasAG.gov
Attorney General Alert: Catalytic Converter Theft on the Rise
LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is warning Arkansans that catalytic converter thefts are on the rise and how people can protect their automobiles from this type of crime. A catalytic converter is an EPA-approved exhaust emission control device that is usually found beneath the vehicle as part of the exhaust system. Thieves are stealing catalytic converters from all types of automobiles for their precious metals. Specifically, hybrid and lower emission vehicles contain higher amounts of precious metals in their converters and certain larger vehicles have multiple catalytic converters making both high value targets.
“These criminals are stealing catalytic converters that will end up costing thousands of dollars to fix,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “I want Arkansans to know the signs beforehand so they can protect themselves from conniving criminals trying to make a quick buck.”
Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to protect their catalytic converters from theft:
Whenever possible, park in well-lit areas and close to building entrances.
If you have a garage, park your car inside and keep the garage shut.
Consider having the catalytic converter welded to your car’s frame, making it harder to steal.
Calibrate your car’s alarm system to alert you when it detects vibrations.
Most catalytic converters do not have serial numbers, so engraving your car’s VIN can help identify your catalytic converter if it is stolen.
Consumers should notify their insurance company if your catalytic converter is stolen.
If Arkansas consumers find that their catalytic converters have been stolen, they should file a report with their local law enforcement agency. Then contact ScrapTheftAlert.com to report a theft.
About Attorney General Leslie Rutledge
Leslie Carol Rutledge is the 56th Attorney General of Arkansas. Elected on November 4, 2014, and sworn in on January 13, 2015, she is the first woman and first Republican in Arkansas history to be elected as Attorney General. She was resoundingly re-elected on November 6, 2018. Since taking office, she has significantly increased the number of arrests and convictions against online predators who exploit children and con artists who steal taxpayer money through Social Security Disability and Medicaid fraud. Further, she has held Rutledge Roundtable meetings and Mobile Office hours in every county of the State each year, and launched a Military and Veterans Initiative. She has led efforts to roll back government regulations that hurt job creators, fight the opioid epidemic, teach internet safety, combat domestic violence and make the office the top law firm for Arkansans. Rutledge serves as co-chairs of the National Association of Attorneys General Veterans Affairs Committee, re-established and co-chairs the National Association of Attorneys General Committee on Agriculture and was the former Chairwoman of the National Association of Attorneys General Southern Region. As the former Chairwoman of the Republican Attorneys General Association, she remains active on the Executive Board.
A native of Batesville, she is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. Rutledge clerked for the Arkansas Court of Appeals, was Deputy Counsel for former Governor Mike Huckabee, served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Lonoke County and was an Attorney at the Department of Human Services before serving as Counsel at the Republican National Committee. Rutledge and her husband, Boyce, have one daughter. The family has a home in Pulaski County and a farm in Crittenden County.