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Catalytic converter theft has increasingly 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 be 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.
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1. Know if you're a target for catalytic converter theft:
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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.
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CARFAX, a leading source of vehicle data, has identified the following vehicles as most likely to have their catalytic converters stolen nationwide:
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- 1985-2021 Ford F-Series
- 1989-2020 Honda Accord
- 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot
- 1990-2022 Ford Econoline
- 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2005-2021 Chevrolet Equinox
- 1997-2020 Honda CR-V
- 1987-2019 Toyota Camry
- 2011-2017 Chrysler 200
- 2001-2021 Toyota Prius
2. Install an anti-theft device on your catalytic converter:
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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:
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3. Set an alarm or camera to catch thieves:
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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.
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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.
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What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen:
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When you start your car, you’ll know from the loud exhaust noise if your catalytic converter was stolen. Here are a few steps that can get you going again:
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- 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.
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Visit Greater Palm Springs Honors Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival with Palm Award for Visitor Experience
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Visit Greater Palm Springs honored the Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival with the Palm Award for Visitor Experience on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, at the Champions of Hospitality Awards Gala at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells. Jennifer Torricelli, an employee at Café One Eleven at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral … Read more
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2023 Halloween Spooktacular Brings Families, Creative Costumes to Downtown Cathedral City
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With a near-perfect weather day, thousands of residents and visitors attended the 7th annual Halloween Spooktacular this past Sunday in Downtown Cathedral City. Thanks to our title sponsor, State Farm Agent Phil Goodge, the three-hour event offered trick or treats for kids, family games, public safety displays by our police and fire departments, … Read more
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City Council of Cathedral City Recognizes DeeAnn Hopings for Her Contributions to Public Arts Commission
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The City Council of Cathedral City recently recognized and celebrated the service of DeeAnn Hopings, who recently finished her term as the Chair of the City's Public Arts Commission. Born in Toledo, Ohio, DeeAnn attended the University of Toledo and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1972. A 43-year career saw 20 … Read more
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Fields of Valor Returns to Honor Local Veterans at Patriot Park in Cathedral City, Nov. 4-12, 2023
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The Evening Rotary Club of Cathedral City is organizing the 16th Annual Fields of Valor, from Nov. 4-12, 2023, at Patriot Park, located at 33998 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City, CA 92234. This week-long celebration begins with an Opening Ceremony at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, recognizing Gold Star families, local lost veterans from Riverside and San Bernardino counties … Read more
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Agua Caliente Casinos Presents 9th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival + Food Truck Fiesta on Friday, Nov. 17 - Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023
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Agua Caliente Casinos, the award-winning premier destination for entertainment in the Coachella Valley, is proud to be the title sponsor for the 9th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival & Food Truck Fiesta, taking place on Friday, November 17-Sunday, … Read more
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Hundreds of Home Depot Foundation Volunteers Construct Beautification Projects at The Salvation Army & Veterans Village
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The Salvation Army and Veterans Village were “Co-Recipients” of a $200,000 beautification grant and selected as the property/location to host The Home Depot Foundation's Coachella Valley event on Oct. 24, 2023. Precisely 410 volunteers and 30 crew leaders from all over the nation represented The … Read more
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Eisenhower Health Partners with Cathedral City Senior Center to Provide Mental Health Resources for Residents Impacted by Tropical Storm Hilary
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Eisenhower Health has partnered with the Cathedral City Senior Center to open the Cathedral City Coping Education and Resources Pop-Up Center throughout the month of October for residents impacted by Tropical Storm Hilary. The Senior Center is located at 37171 W Buddy … Read more
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Coachella Valley Repertory Presents the West Coast Premiere of The Fantasticks: A Love Story Reimagined
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Editor's note, Oct. 22, 2023 – COACHELLA VALLEY REPERTORY has added a week to the run of its West Coast premiere production of Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt’s THE FANTASTICK: A LOVE STORY REIMAGINED. This extends the run through November 19. CVRep Executive Artistic Director Adam Karsten said, “We’re thrilled with the …Read more
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Greater Palm Springs Realtors® Announces Disaster Relief Program Following Tropical Storm Hilary
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Anyone in Palm Springs, Cathedral City or Desert Hot Springs whose housing was impacted by the 2023 storm may be eligible for financial assistance up to $2,500. Specifically, residents who faced displacement or whose homes were damaged or destroyed may qualify for relief provided by Greater Palm Springs REALTORS® partnership …Read more
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C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team) Training
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November 2-4
Help your family and neighbors recover from major incidents with emergency response training from the Cathedral City Fire Department.
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Fields of Valor
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Nov. 4-12
The Evening Rotary Club of Cathedral City is organizing the 16th Annual Fields of Valor, from Nov. 4-12, 2023, at Patriot Park, located at 33998 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City, CA 92234. This week-long celebration begins with an Opening Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 4, recognizing local lost veterans from Riverside and San Bernardino counties in the Vietnam War and California …
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Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival
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November 17-19
Agua Caliente Casinos, the award-winning premier destination for entertainment in the Coachella Valley, is proud to present the 9th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival & Food Truck Fiesta, taking place on Friday, November 17 – Sunday, November 19, 2023, in Cathedral City. The official kick-off begins with the balloon launch from Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage …
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The Perez Art District's Fourth Fridays
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The Perez Art District’s highly anticipated Art Walk occurs on 4th Fridays @ 4pm. This is an immersive experience for art enthusiasts and the local community alike. The Art Walk offers a unique chance to witness the creative process across a variety of disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. Conveniently located at 68845 Perez Rd in Cathedral City, California, …
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North Pole Village at SnowFest
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December 9
Snow-Fest, scheduled from 1-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, captures all the holiday spirit and places it at one event with holiday music, Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday tree lighting ceremony, food, and a free movie at the Mary Pickford Theatre. “North Pole Village” comes to life in front of City Hall – all lit with holiday lights. It …
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Employment
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ASSISTANT ENGINEER
ASSOCIATE PLANNER
CITIZENS ON PATROL (COP)
CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICER I/II
FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC - New
POLICE CADET
POLICE OFFICER - LATERAL/ACADEMY GRADUATE
POLICE OFFICER RECRUIT
RESERVE POLICE OFFICER
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