Catalytic Converter Theft on the Rise: Protect Ministry Vehicles
February 25, 2021
Stricter car emissions rules around the world have sent demand for the precious metals in catalytic converters surging. That has pushed up the asking price for some of the precious metals used in the device — like palladium and rhodium — to record highs. This, combined with the fact that one can be stolen in just minutes, is making vehicles a common target.
Across the nation, police are reporting a surge in catalytic converter theft cases and we’ve seen a rise in claims from our ministry customers over the month.
And it’s not just vehicles you need to protect. Thieves also look for opportunities to nab copper from air conditioning units and other HVAC systems.
Protect Your Property
Thieves are opportunists. They want easy access, so they can get what they want quickly and escape without notice. By hindering access and making detection more likely, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Here are some ideas to consider.
Hinder Access
- Store vehicles inside locked garages or sheds. If that’s not an option, have members drive vehicles home each night, so they’re not left in parking lots.
- Enclose church property with a secure fence.
- Post “no trespassing” signs.
- Place a cage or fence around air conditioning units.
- Secure the electrical power shut-off switch. Move the switch, if it’s located near the air conditioning units.
- Remove ladders and other items offering easy access to rooftop HVAC units.
- Replace copper downspouts with other materials.
- Don’t leave copper plumbing, gutters, or wiring on construction sites.
Improve Likelihood of Detection
- Ask church members to drive past the church when they’re in the neighborhood, looking for suspicious cars, people, or activity.
- Invite church neighbors to call police if they notice unusual activity.
- Have local police patrol your property regularly during evening and night hours.
- Use security cameras to monitor target areas, including construction sites. Some systems feature motion activation and can contact police if activity is detected.
- Increase lighting around HVAC units and places where thieves might hide.
- Install alarms on HVAC units. A sensor can be set to trigger an alarm if the power to the AC unit is disconnected or if the AC coolant level drops.
Protect Unoccupied Buildings
If any ministry buildings are vacant or temporarily unoccupied, it’s important to protect them. Thieves are more likely to strike empty buildings, since they're less likely to get caught. You’ll want to protect not only the building’s air conditioner, but also any copper plumbing or valuables that may be inside.
Here are some suggestions:
- Visit vacant or unoccupied buildings regularly to make sure they’re secure.
- Stagger your visits to make them unpredictable. Don’t show up every Tuesday at 2 p.m.
- Make them look “lived in.” Shovel snow, mow the lawn, collect newspapers and mail, place lights on timers, and leave a radio or television set on during your absence.
- Ask neighbors and police to keep an eye on the place.
- Keep fire and burglar alarm systems operational, so authorities are alerted to problems.
Also, it’s important to let your insurance agent know if any buildings listed on your policy are vacant or unoccupied. If a loss occurs after a building has been unoccupied for more than 60 days, your policy may exclude the loss or reduce your payment by 15 percent.
This makes protecting your investment even more significant, since your church would bear a greater share of any loss.
- November 7, 2023
- Stop Plumbing Leaks with FloLogic
-
-
Water and the damage it brings can be one of the most devastating property claims a ministry or organization can experience. Fortunately, there's a solution that identifies leaks when they start, as small as 1/2-ounce-per-minute. It's called FloLogic.
- September 7, 2023
- Increasing Donor Trust
-
-
The ability to inspire others to give is a blessing. Because fundraising can be both exciting and challenging, there are some important details to consider that can help your donors, and organization, have a smooth and successful experience.
- July 31, 2023
- What to Know About Loaning Your Ministry Vehicle
-
-
Has your church or school ever been asked to loan or rent one of your vans or buses to another ministry? Rather than running the risk of loaning or renting your own vehicle, you could consider aiding them financially in renting or chartering a vehicle from a rental agency.
- May 10, 2023
- Save Money With One Change
-
-
A periodic review of your insurance policy is a good way to make sure your ministry is protected for its most current needs, but it also may offer the opportunity to find some significant savings.
- March 14, 2023
- Responding to Mission Issues
-
-
Having insurance coverage specifically designed for long-term international missions helps protect your people and organization from the financial impact caused by injuries, lawsuits, property damage, and more.
- January 30, 2023
- Brotherhood Mutual Foundation Kingdom Advancing Grant
-
- January 9, 2023
- Better Achieve Your Mission in 2023
-
- November 10, 2022
- Evaluate Your Ministry's Fire Safety Plan
-
-
With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s wise for ministries to evaluate their fire safety plan. Whether your ministry is hosting a holiday party, prepping treats for charity, or running a community kitchen, make sure you’re well-prepared with these tips.
- September 9, 2022
- School is Back in Session
-
-
As school is back in session, it’s important to make sure your school is equipped with the correct safety procedures. Thinking about your school’s physical security as a series of layers can help you find gaps in your plan. Transportation and volunteers are just two important aspects of your school safety plan to think about.
- July 15, 2022
- Shepherding Ministries in a Time of Change
-
-
Anyone who turns on the news, flips through a magazine, or browses the web can see that American society and culture are experiencing rapid transitions. Some ministries have valid concerns that issues surrounding societal shifts may expose them to negative publicity, governmental scrutiny, or litigation.
The questions become: when and how can ministries operate within their deeply held religious beliefs when they may conflict with others’ rights?
- May 19, 2022
- Five Common Tricks of Cyber Scammers
-
-
Cyber security is increasingly crucial in our technologically advanced world. Scammers use many schemes when attempting to steal your data, but you can outsmart them by understanding their methods.
- February 16, 2022
- Gas Leak Detector Required for Various Building Occupancies
-
-
Having gas leak detectors placed within your ministry where a propane, natural gas or liquified petroleum gas fueled appliance is located is always the smart choice. The state of Maine decided to take this a step further and make it a law.
- July 22, 2021
- Thousands in Relief Funding Available to Ministries Through the Employee Retention Credit
-
-
Most ministry leaders don’t realize there is funding available to non-profit employers including churches, schools, colleges, and camps. This post includes some highlights about the credit and guidance on where to start to see if your ministry is eligible.
- June 17, 2021
- Prepare Your Ministry for Another Active Hurricane Season
-
-
The Atlantic hurricane season officially started June 1, and weather experts say this season is likely to produce above-normal activity. Take action to prepare your ministry to withstand a hurricane now, so you’re not scrambling when a watch or warning is posted.
- April 28, 2021
- Take Time to Review Your Ministry's Child Protection Plan
-
-
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Though child abuse may not be something you could ever imagine happening within your ministry, sexual abuse of a minor is one of the top five reasons churches end up in court, according to Church Law & Tax. Studies also show that a child is much more likely to be sexually abused by a trusted adult than a stranger.
- March 16, 2021
- Prepare for Severe Spring Storms Now
-
-
When severe storms strike, they can produce high winds and tornadoes. Damaging winds can wreak havoc on your ministry’s property and to buildings. A high wind event can crash debris through your windows, strip your siding, down trees on your parking lot, peel shingles off your roof, and fling back the flashing.
- February 25, 2021
- Catalytic Converter Theft on the Rise: Protect Ministry Vehicles
-
-
Thieves are taking advantage of soaring precious metal prices. Take steps to protect your ministry’s vehicles and property.
- February 5, 2021
- Avoid Frozen Pipes as Temperatures Plummet
-
-
As temperatures plummet, the risk of freezing pipes soars. Frozen pipes can cause costly messes that could also put your ministry on hold while you clean up.
- November 23, 2020
- COVID-19 and the Christmas Season
-
-
Preparing for this Christmas season may require additional creativity, due to the uncertainty of what COVID-19 may bring in our local community.
- October 28, 2020
- Guidance for Ministries About Boy Scouts' Bankruptcy
-
-
A mid-November deadline in the Boy Scouts of America’s (BSA) bankruptcy proceedings may have you wondering what the organization’s bankruptcy filing means for your ministry if you ever hosted or chartered Boy Scout Troops.