Catalytic Converter Stolen From Vehicle at TJX HQ; Nation-Wide Thefts Up 400% Since 2019

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FRAMINGHAM – A catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle parked at TJX headquarters at 770 Cochituate Road, over the weekend.

The theft was reported at 1:32 p.m. on Monday, October 24.

Police have no suspects

There have been scores of catalytic converters stolen from vehicles in Framingham in 2022.

According to State Farm Insurance data, catalytic converter thefts are up more than 400% since 2019.

A catalytic converter is a tool installed on every car, be it diesel or gasoline. The converter is a catalyst located in the exhaust channel that works to filter hydrocarbons and other pollutants as waste products of engine combustion.

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The converter auto part contains platinum, palladium or rhodium.

On the black market, those metals can mean $100 to $250 for every converter stolen.

But for the owners of the vehicles, the replacement can be even more expensive.

Parts & labor can be $1,000 to more than $2,000 to replace and install a new converter.

Thieves can steal a converter in minutes.

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Massachusetts is not even among the top 5 states for catalytic converter thefts, according to State Farm Insurance.

State Farm said California has the most catalytic converters thefts in 2022, with more than 7,400 claims

Texas came in second with more than 4,800 claims. Illinois was third, followed by Washington State and Minnesota, according to the insurance company’s data.

National Insurance Crime Bureau, suggested the following to help prevent catalytic converter thefts:

• Park in secure areas
• Install an anti-theft device
• Get your VIN etched onto your catalytic converter
• Install bright motion-sensor lights on your vehicle.