Sept. 15, 2022—Catalytic converter thefts are even more of a headache in places like Kansas, where shops are having trouble getting access to replacement parts.
According to KWCH 12, Orlando Mijeras from Gerber Collision and Glass said he has seen periods of time that involved multiple catalytic converter thefts one after another, and he has also seen periods of time without any thefts. Regardless of theft frequency, replacement catalytic converters are difficult to get ahold of because of ongoing supply chain issues.
Mijeras told KWCH 12 that new cars are getting made, but replacement repair parts are not. He said vehicles that are newer models are sometimes having to wait anywhere between six and eight months for repair parts.
Lynn Bryan from Wichita has been the victim of two catalytic converter thefts this year. Even though it was expensive, she was able to get things taken care of after the first hit. She experienced another theft on one of her vehicles this summer, but due to a lack of replacement parts that car has been out of commission since August.
