How Amarillo Residents Can Outsmart Catalytic Converter Thieves

Living in Amarillo can be quite an adventure. For the most part, it is a wonderful city with wonderful people, but with any great city, some parts aren’t so great, like crime.

Amarillo is no stranger to crime; it happens daily, and it stinks.  What's worse is when another person takes something that doesn't belong to them.  Most people work hard, and when somebody comes and steals from them, it's infuriating.

On any given day, you can scroll the neighborhood pages and see security videos of thieves trying to open car doors or even breaking into vehicles, stealing items.

How Catalytic Converter Theft Happens

On any other given day, your car could be parked in a lot at work, at the store, and thieves will be out in broad daylight rolling under your car and cutting out an important part that costs thousands to fix.

When it comes to catalytic converters, they are full of precious materials, and if a thief is going to get yours, there isn't much you can do about it.  You can get a catalytic converter lock or shield for your car.

Read More: Not Tulsa King: How a Catalytic Converter Ring Spanned Oklahoma to New Jersey

Other thieves back up to a trailer, cut the lock, hook up, and off they go, and another item that was thousands of dollars is gone. Your only hope is that the police can find your items and arrest those responsible.

Trailer Theft Prevention Tips

Trailers have become a hot commodity recently, often full of tools, musical equipment, or even just empty flatbeds. You can protect your trailer from theft by putting heavy-duty hitch locks, chock locks, or parking inside a garage.

One way to help in the return of your property is to have it stamped.  This stamp helps law enforcement identify the property and increases the chances of it being returned.

Read More: Buc-ee's Employees Rewarded for Reporting Theft Among Co-Workers

How Property Stamping Helps

The Panhandle Auto Burglary & Theft Unit wants to make it easier to have your items returned to you if, by chance, thieves get their hands on them and then get caught.

Amarillo Free Stamping Event Details

The PABTU hosts regular events to provide these stamps to the public on their trailers and catalytic converters. The next event is on Thursday, September 24, 2025.  The event will be held from 11 am - 4 pm at 13651 I-40 West Frontage Road.  It will be behind the JP#3 office.

The great thing about this event is that it is FREE!

Unfortunately, you cannot stop thieves from taking your property when you are not there, but you can take preventive steps.  This is one of those important steps.