October 20, 2021

Catalytic Converter Theft Awareness

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department continues to investigate an increase of catalytic converter
thefts.

St. Louis, MO, October 20, 2021 – Due to the presence of precious metals in a car’s catalytic
converter, our department along with agencies across the country, have seen an increase in
catalytic converter theft. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has partnered with other
local law enforcement agencies in an effort to track and identify those individual(s)
responsible. While there have been several arrests for the theft of catalytic converters, the
prevalence of these thefts continues. Because of this, we are encouraging car owners to do the
following to reduce the chance of theft.

• Park in a well-lit or secure area

• Be attentive to loud sawing noises and call 9-1-1 if you see anyone tampering with a
vehicle. It only takes minutes to steal a catalytic converter.
• Paint with a high contrast color or etch identifying information (such as your vehicle’s
VIN) on the catalytic converter to discourage the theft and/or make scrapping the item
difficult for a thief

There are various types of anti-theft devices that can be installed over a catalytic converter that
will reduce the chance of theft. We recommend that citizens do their own research on issues of
cost, workmanship, and effectiveness. Installation of an anti-theft device is costly. Replacing a
catalytic converter though is costly, too.

The SLMPD is not recommending or guaranteeing the work of any shop but wants citizens
to know options are available to protect against being a victim of this common crime. The
Department has reached out to the businesses in our community that currently install catalytic
converter anti-theft devices. The type of device and cost can vary by installer and vehicle type.
All questions relating to the installation or purchase should be directed to the listed business of
choice. Be advised, that while this may discourage thieves, we still encourage all citizens to
remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings when parking their vehicle.
The SLMPD wants to thank those businesses listed below and encourage any other city auto
repair shop that can install an anti-theft catalytic converter device to contact us to be placed on
the list.

LISTING OF SHOPS
District 1
Fairway Automotive Advanced Auto Service
5208 S Kingshighway 6123 Gravois
314-352-6317 314-352-8131

District 2

John's Auto Jackson's Master Auto Hartmann's Auto Center

4000 Gravois Ave Repair 3301 Sublette
314-664-1181 6501 Fyler (314) 352-3372
314-644-5995
Da Auto Repair
4020 Gravois Ave Columbia Auto Repair Schaefer's Auto Care
314-932-1306 5335 Southwest 6520 Chippewa
314-865-1372 314-832-2922
Shawn's Master Auto
Repair National Tire & Battery Tom Bess Automotive
7027 Hampton 3144 S. Kingshighway 4922 Macklind
314-832-5357 314-735-0892 314-353-9936

Dobbs Hampton Village Carriage Auto Coates Brothers

5841 Chippewa 6098 Arsenal Automotive
314-351-7800 314-781-8240 6405 Manchester
314-647-2334
St. Louis Hills Auto Service
5300 Hampton
314-379-5082

District 3

Don's Muffler Rich's Auto Avenue Auto

2923 Cherokee 3701 S. Jefferson 2631 Chippewa
(314) 772-7400 (314) 771-9200 (314) 865-3430

District 4

St. Louis Auto and Truck Repair 314-436-2788

2701 Delmar
St. Louis, MO 63103 Gateway Tire and Car Care Center
 1435 N. 13th 314-421-6100
St. Louis, MO 63106

District 5

Union and Ridge Auto Neely and Sons Auto

1404 Union 5328 Dr. Martin Luther King
(314) 361-0395 314-367-7007

District 6

T&C Complete Auto Geisz Auto Repair & Sales Right Choice Auto
5500 W Florissant Ave, 1101 McLaran Ave 8833 N. Broadway
(314) 383-3103 (314) 383-3302 (314) 388-2882

Betterway Auto Repair Rent To Own Auto Sales New Legacy Automotive
8650 Riverview Blvd 7700 N. Broadway Company
(314) 361-7334 (314) 791-9221 8630n. Broadway
(314) 736-6638

Service, Integrity, Leadership and Fair Treatment to All