Catalytic converter thefts are increasing everywhere, and Shenandoah is no exception. Since June of 2021, there have been about 80 thefts of these emission control devices within the city limits. The converters are easily removed by experienced thieves and contain precious metals like platinum and palladium which can be resold to precious metals dealers for up to thousands of dollars per ounce, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Since June 2021, nearly one-third of the thefts have occurred in the medical complex area on Pinecroft and about 28% were in parking lots of various restaurants, retail stores and hotels along both sides of I-45. Shenandoah police have assigned undercover officers to patrol these locations at different times.

Shenandoah Police Chief Troye Dunlap noted that some vehicle models are more popular with thieves than others, in particular Toyota Tundras, Tacomas and Sequoias. For those concerned their vehicle is a high risk, he recommends putting a cage over the converter because “anything that takes more time for them to steal” will deter theft. He said putting a vehicle identification number on the converter may help, but it won’t prevent it from being stolen. Dunlap noted that initially the stolen parts were going to scrap yards for sale, but recently they are being sold to an overseas market, making it very difficult to track.

Dunlap said the city is part of a regional task force focused on this problem, and that Shenandoah police have arrested more than 12 people in connection with converter thefts over the last several months.