|
|
|
Catalytic converter theft has been increasing in the Coachella Valley, Riverside County and throughout the nation. Thieves can steal this antipollution device in minutes, sell it to scrap metal dealers and receive hundreds of dollars for the precious metals it contains. The NICB says replacing a catalytic converter can range from $1,000 to $3,000, which doesn’t include loss of work or paying for alternate transportation. The final price tag for a catalytic converter replacement depends on the vehicle's make and model, as well as the area of the country. Replacing the converter on a Honda Accord or Toyota Prius can cost up to $3,500. California is considered a “hot spot” for catalytic converter thefts and it’s a crime of opportunity, and car owners should take steps to encourage thieves to move on to easier prey. Mechanics and law enforcement agencies offer these tips to avoid a wrenching experience and costly repair.
|
1. Know if you're a target for catalytic converter theft:
|
Vehicles with ultra-low emissions are bigger targets because they have catalytic converters that contain more rhodium, palladium, and platinum that render pollutants harmless while increasing the value for thieves. Trucks and SUVs are often targeted because it’s easy to slide under the vehicle rather than jack it up. Sometimes thieves unbolt the catalytic converter, but more often they just cut the connecting pipes using a battery-operated saw.
|
CARFAX, a leading source of vehicle data, has identified the following vehicles as most likely to have their catalytic converters stolen nationwide:
|
- Ford F-150
- Toyota Tacoma
- Toyota Tundra
- Ford Explorer
- Ford Expedition
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Prius
- Honda CRV
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Chevrolet Cruze
2. Install an anti-theft device on your catalytic converter:
|
Investing in a cable-locking device is much cheaper than replacing a catalytic converter. The internet is filled with such devices to protect the catalytic converter, which is part of the exhaust system that runs along the bottom of your car. The anti-theft devices range from $300 to $800. Simply search the internet for catalytic converter anti-theft devices to see the available options for your vehicle. Below is an example:
|
|
|
|
|
3. Set an alarm or camera to catch thieves:
|
You can turn up the sensitivity of your car alarm so that it goes off when thieves jostle your car. Some alarms are designed to be activated when the car is tilted, such as when it's jacked up. Installing a motion-sensitive dash cam can notify you of a theft in progress or possibly record the license plate of the getaway car. In addition to alarms, get motion-sensitive lights and park in your driveway or a closed garage whenever possible. Also, get to know your neighbors and join neighborhood networks such as NextDoor to be aware of strangers in the area or reports of theft.
|
Comprehensive insurance covers stolen auto parts. If you have full coverage insurance — liability insurance, plus collision and comprehensive policies that repair or replace your own car — you're covered, minus your deductible amount. It's typically required if you have a loan or lease. If you have a vehicle at high risk for a catalytic converter theft, you might consider lowering your deductible amount. If you carry liability coverage only, you're not covered for theft.
|
What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen:
|
When you start your car, you’ll know by the loud exhaust noise if your catalytic converter was stolen. Here are a few steps that can get you going again:
|
- Aftermarket catalytic converters are cheaper, but make sure they're allowed in your state. A good muffler shop should know what's legal. In some cases, an aftermarket catalytic converter will be less desirable and prevent future thefts.
- Ask your mechanic if driving your car without the catalytic converter will further damage it. If not, drive only to the repair shop.
- Contact your insurance company and take pictures of the damaged exhaust pipe where the catalytic converter used to be.
- File a police report, which can easily be done online in many jurisdictions. This will help police track such crimes and might assist in arrests.
- While your new catalytic converter is being installed, ask the repair shop about adding an anti-theft device to prevent future thefts.
- To see crime trends in your neighborhood, use crimemapping.com.
|
|
|
|
|
LeAnn Rimes Concert Tickets Now On Sale, Agua Caliente Casinos Announced as the Title Sponsor of the Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival’s 10th Anniversary Event
|
TICKETS NOW ON SALE: Concert tickets to see international multi-platinum-selling acclaimed singer/songwriter LeAnn Rimes at this year’s Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival are on sale here …Read more
|
|
|
|
Fields of Valor Returns to Honor Local Veterans at Patriot Park in Cathedral City, Nov. 9-15, 2024
|
The Cathedral City Evening Rotary presents the 17th Annual Fields of Valor Tribute Honoring Veterans, Nov. 9-15, 2024, at Patriot Park in Cathedral City! Patriot Park, located at 33998 Date Palm Dr., Cathedral City, CA 92234, will be transformed with 2000 American flags to honor our military past, present, and fallen. A tribute and recognition for … Read more
|
|
|
|
Councilmember Rita Lamb & CCPD Commander Nate Hanley Highlight Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
|
Cathedral City Council Member Rita Lamb highlights the annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. The ceremony will be held at Desert Memorial Park 31-705 Da Vall Drive in Cathedral City at 10:00 AM. The event is being sponsored by AMVETS Post 66 and Jon Castro Chapter of Veterans For Peace. All our nations war dead and …Read more
|
|
|
|
Public Arts Commission’s Quarterly Group Art Exhibits Continue Nov. 9 & 10, 2024, at Cathedral City Library
|
The City’s Public Arts Commission (PAC) invites residents and visitors to attend the latest event in a series of Quarterly Art Exhibits at the Cathedral City Library, 33520 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City, CA 92234. The next exhibit will be held Nov. 9 & 10, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The first art show took place May 18 … Read more
|
|
|
|
Residents Encouraged to Sign Up for Street Sweeping Alerts Through City of Cathedral City's CodeRED Notification System
|
The City of Cathedral City is excited to launch a new CodeRED community notification system, designed to provide residents important information about city services. The City can activate the notification system for street sweeping notifications, road construction projects, garbage and recycling service updates, or other incidents with broad…Read more
|
|
|
|
Residents Encouraged to Participate in CVAG’s Emissions Survey for Regional Comprehensive Climate Action Plan
|
The City of Cathedral City is working with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) and other participating cities to develop a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan that will include strategies that can be implemented locally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By …Read more
|
|
|
|
City of Cathedral City Announces Parks Renovation Schedule for Fall/Winter 2024
|
The City of Cathedral City will be closing the following parks at various dates for maintenance, cleaning and overseeding as we move into fall and winter events season: Dennis Keat Soccer Park – CLOSED Sept. 16 – Oct. 19, 2024 Panorama Park/Dog Park – CLOSED Sept. 23 – Oct. 26, 2024 Ocotillo Park – CLOSED Sept. 30 – Nov. 2, …Read more
|
|
|
|
Riverside County Down Payment Assistance Program Available for First Time Home Buyers
|
The Riverside County American Rescue Plan Act First Time Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance Program (ARPA FTHB) is designed to provide assistance to low to moderate income persons in the purchase of their first home. Assistance may be provided for the down payment on the purchase of a home. Program Highlights: Provides down …Read more
|
|
|
|
S.C.R.A.P. Gallery to Host Real People, Real Climate, Real Change Exhibit, Sept. 13 – Nov. 17, 2024
|
It's for real. S.C.R.A.P. Gallery invites you to journey through climate change with the exhibit "Real People, Real Climate, Real Changes" from Sept. 13 through Nov. 17, 2024. This family-friendly, participatory exhibit demonstrates how climate change is changing and how those changes affect people's lives around the country and the world. The exhibit, …Read more
|
|
|
|
Don’t Want to Come to City Hall to Do Business? No Problem. We’re Bringing City Hall to You.
|
Cathedral City is continuing to make significant strides in enhancing its offering of online services. Since December, staff have implemented many new online services, making it easier and faster for residents and businesses to access essential services twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, without ever having to leave their home or office – a plus, especially during our …Read more
|
|
|
|
Coachella Valley Repertory Announces 2024-2025 Season in Downtown Cathedral City
|
COACHELLA VALLEY REPERTORY EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR ADAM KARSTEN has officially announced CVRep’s 2024-2025 Season: five sensational productions of award-winning plays and musicals never before produced by CVRep as well as the World Premiere of a new and timely work selected from the 2023 ORIGINS NEW WORKS PROGRAM. The season starts with …Read more
|
|
|
|
|
Fields of Valor
|
November 9-15, 2024 🎗️ FIELDS OF VALOR - 17th Annual Veterans Tribute Join the Cathedral City EVENING Rotary for their 17th Annual Fields of Valor display, a moving tribute to our veterans and service members. 📅 DATES: November 9-15, 2024 🎯 OPENING CEREMONY Date: Saturday, November 9th Time: 9:00 AM Location: Cathedral City (exact venue location to be announced) This week-long patriotic display …Read more
|
|
|
|
8th Annual Memorial Ride
|
November 9, 2024 The 8th Annual Memorial Ride, organized by the Palm Springs Police Officers Association and supported by the Cathedral City Police Officers Association, is set for Saturday, November 9, 2024. This event combines a police-escorted motorcycle ride with a memorial service and community gathering. Participants can register between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM at Palm Springs Motor Sports, located at 72750 …Read more
|
|
|
|
Quarterly Art Exhibit
|
November 9, 2024 The Quarterly Art Exhibit in Cathedral City showcases a variety of artworks by talented local artists. This free community event takes place every three months, with each exhibit featuring new pieces to discover. Come out and support the arts while exploring the unique culture of Cathedral City.
|
|
|
|
Coachella Barber Fest 2024
|
📅 Date: Sunday, November 10, 2024 📍 Location: 68526 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, Cathedral City, CA ⏰ Time: 2pm - 9pm Join us at the Coachella Barber Fest 2024 for an unforgettable day celebrating the artistry, culture, and community of the barbering world! This premier event will feature: Live Barber Battles: Watch skilled barbers go head-to-head in competitions showcasing their cutting-edge…Read more
|
|
|
|
Local Board Mixer @ Mary Pickford Theatre
|
November 12, 2024 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Location: Mary Pickford Theatre, 36850 Pickfair St, Cathedral City Join the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce for an evening of fun, food, and community connections at the Local Board Mixer. This event is open to both members and non-members, so feel free to bring a friend. Enjoy a variety of … Read more
|
|
|
|
Join Cathedral City's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training!
|
November 16, 2024 Are you ready to handle emergencies like earthquakes, fires, power outages, or public health crises? Prepare yourself with CERT training this November! 📅 Class Schedule: November 16: 8 AM - 5 PM November 23: 8 AM - 5 PM November 30: 8 AM - Noon (Attendance at all sessions is required for certification) 👩🚒 Learn essential skills in: Fire Suppression …Read more
|
|
|
|
Dinner with Patsi - November
|
November 20, 2024 Join Dinner with Patsi at Brunch 101, on Wednesday, November 20th, with seatings at 5 pm and 6:30 pm. Phone: (760) 507-8464 Located at 68718 E Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City, CA.
Patsi will be there to pass her Red Hat. Donations help Dinner with Patsi keep the lights on. They will also collect food items for the Cathedral City …Read more
|
|
|
|
Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival
|
November 22-24, 2024 The City of Cathedral City is excited to announce Agua Caliente Casinos, the award-winning premier destination for entertainment in the Coachella Valley, as the title sponsor for the 10th-anniversary event, which will take place Friday, Nov. 22 – Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. The festival will feature live food truck vendors from Southern California, a beer and wine garden, tethered balloon rides…Read more
|
|
|
|
Art Walk
|
November 22, 2024 The highly anticipated PEREZ ART DISTRICT art walks return on the fourth Friday of every month from 4 to 7 PM beginning in September. The most exciting, creative enclave in the Coachella Valley, the district highlights over 50 established, mid-career, and emerging artists in their studios and galleries. Dubbed the “SoHo of the desert,” the district’s high-quality art attracts collectors … Read more
|
|
|
|
2024 Mayors' Cup Golf Tournament
|
December 7, 2024 🏌️♂️ SAVE THE DATE! 2024 MAYORS' CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT A Cathedral City Evening Rotary Event 📅 Saturday, December 7, 2024 ⏰ Registration: 7:00 AM 🏌️ Shotgun Start: 8:30 AM 📍 NEW LOCATION Cimarrón Golf Resort 67603 30th Avenue, Cathedral City, CA 92234 🎯 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS: Full Golf Tournament Lunch Included Awards Ceremony 50/50 Drawing … Read more
|
|
|
|
Community Shredding Event
|
Join us for FREE Document Shredding Events hosted by the City of Cathedral City! When: The first Saturday of the month from October to May. Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Location: 68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero. Bring all your sensitive documents, including legal documents, medical records, financial statements, tax records, and more! Tips: No need to remove …Read more
|
|
|
|
SnowFest
|
December 14, 2024 Snow-Fest, scheduled from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, captures all the holiday spirit and places it at one event with holiday music, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a holiday tree lighting ceremony, and so much more. The annual event also includes Santa's Arrival Snow Fest Express – Free Train Rides Real Snow in the Park! Elf Workshop for Kids …Read more
|
|
|
|
|
Employment
|
|
CITIZENS ON PATROL (COP) ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN I
|
LAND DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER POLICE CADET POLICE OFFICER - LATERAL/ACADEMY GRADUATE POLICE OFFICER RECRUIT
|
PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER - PART-TIME PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER II RESERVE POLICE OFFICER
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|