When several company vehicles were damaged after thieves cut and stole the catalytic converters from the exhaust system, Jiffy Lube of Indiana launched a campaign to help protect other Hoosiers from the same. The Catalytic Converter Initiative was developed after talking with Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and other police in Central Indiana, to see how Jiffy Lube could help prevent these thefts. First launched in Marion County, the Catalytic Converter Initiative is now in effect statewide, at more than 50 Jiffy Lube of Indiana locations.
Thefts of catalytic converters have skyrocketed across the nation in the past two years, increasing as much as 1,000%, according to some data. Stealing catalytic converters can take as little as 30 seconds and they are prime targets due to the precious metals contained inside of them.
Now Jiffy Lube is helping customers fight back – technicians will engrave the last 8 digits of the vehicle’s identification number (VIN) on the catalytic converter and will add a stripe of high-temp paint. The goal is to add an extra layer of protection to Indiana vehicles.
Although the program can’t guarantee that it will stop catalytic converters from being stolen, this is a step in the right direction. The hope is that if thieves get under the car and see that it’s painted, and see the engraving of the VIN, it will be a deterrent. If the catalytic converter is still cut-off, the paint and engraving should alert anyone trying to buy the device that it has been stolen.
This program will also make it easier for police officers when they find stolen catalytic converters, to track them to the person from who’s car they were taken. Hopefully that will also help in identifying from where the thieves are operating and to help in catching them.
The catalytic converter service is free and takes just a few minutes. No other purchases are necessary. It’s available at all Jiffy Lube of Indiana locations, no appointment necessary.
