News and notes from Imagine! and the Imagine! Foundation.
Protecting Imagine! Vehicles
Aug-23-2021
Technology
Imagine! has enrolled in a national program to help reduce the theft of catalytic converters that US fleets have suffered this past year. Imagine! sustained several catalytic converter thefts from our fleet of vehicles during this time. What’s a used, stolen catalytic converter worth? $150-$300 depending on the size. Catalytic converters contain certain “rare earth minerals” that have appealing market value. Most replacements cost $1-3k each and put vehicles out of service for up to 3 months. We’ve partnered with AAA Colorado to enroll our fleet in CatGuard, a program designed to make each catalytic converter traceable in police databases.
Each catalytic converter (some vehicles have two) will be labelled with a metal etching serial tag. If the tag is removed or wears off the serial number remains etched on it. These serial numbers are registered in a national database which includes the vehicles description and VIN number. Decals are installed on the front door windows alerting thieves. If those window decals are missed they will not miss the tags on the converters themselves. Although thefts can still occur, these catalytic converters will have no value on the black market. Enrolling in the program is free.
