Drop in Fresno catalytic converter thefts are part of statewide dip from 2022

Catalytic converter thefts — a devastating and unexpected expense for too many Fresno drivers — dropped dramatically in California so far in 2023, according to claims data from State Farm Insurance.

The data for the first half of 2023 in California, compared to the same time frame in 2022, reported that there were 5,400 claims compared to 11,900 last year.

In dollars, that amounted to $17.8 million paid out in 2023 compared to $37.7 million in 2022.

The thefts are especially vexing for police as well, who reported that more than six of the devices were taken per day in the city in 2202. But In September of 2023, police reported the rate had dropped to less than one per day. Even so, the city has launched a task force to target the traditionally hard-to-prosecute crime.

In February, City Council Member Tyler Maxwell proposed an ordinance to make it illegal to possess detached catalytic converters in Fresno without proof of valid ownership. Those in violation could face a misdemeanor charge, with a penalty of $1,000 and up to one year in jail. Felony charges could be brought for thefts in excess of $1,000.

Thefts of the car part, that can take just a few minutes to steal and then be fenced for hundreds of dollars can be hard to prosecute without thieves being caught in the act, law enforcement has said.

The top five states in catalytic converter theft in the first half of the year, according to State Farm, are:

1. California with over 5400 claims and $17.8M paid in claims

2. Texas with 1450 claims and $5.1M paid

3. Illinois with nearly 1300 claims and a cost of $2.9M paid

4. Colorado with nearly 670 claims at $2.0M paid

5. New York with over 500 claims and $1.5M paid

Thieves find the theft of converters a profitable crime, despite the penalties. Earlier in 2023, a Clovis man was indicted on federal charges after he banked $2.5 million by buying the stolen devices locally and selling them in Oregon.

George Thomas, 70, could receive a 10-year prison term and a $250,000 fine if convicted in the indictment.

No one can definitively say why thefts are down, but Amy Harris of State Farm News said reasons could include continued coverage educating consumers of the problem and ways they can help protect themselves, and legislation passed in many states with stiffer punishments for those convicted of the crime.

This story was originally published October 25, 2023 at 8:16 PM.