Yes, gas prices are high, but Florida average gas prices are below the national average. The prices are much lower than they were this time last year. Prices were around 40 cents higher in April of 2022. As of April 18th, AAA says the price for a gallon of gas in Florida is $3.62. The national average is $3.68.
So, the Florida average gas prices are below the national average and hopefully the prices will continue to go down.
So, what are the most targeted vehicles for car theft in Florida? Well, there is one item on these cars that is being stolen and thieves want their hands on it. The catalytic converter is being targeted now more than ever. It contains precious metals and those metals are getting more expensive. The report come from CARFAX, who put together a list of the top vehicles for car theft in Florida.
So, what is a catalytic converter? CARFAX says, “Catalytic converters are a key component of a car’s emissions control system, reducing the amount of pollution coming out of the tailpipe. They transform hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides – the bad stuff – into oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.” Inside the catalytic converter there are precious metals like: palladium, rhodium, and platinum.
Catalytic converters have been on cars since 1975. Electric cars don’t have them because they don’t have an exhaust system. It also doesn’t take long to remove it. A small saw can remove it in less than 60 seconds.
How to prevent thieves from stealing it? Experts say to buy a catalytic converter anti-theft device. It is a metal plate that shops can add on to your car. You can also get your VIN number engraved on the converter. That makes it much tougher for the thief to sell it.
Last year, the Florida Legislature passed a bill making it a third-degree felony for a person to knowingly possess, purchase, sell or install a stolen catalytic converter.
Hillsborough County’s Effort To Combat Auto And Retail Theft
From new info from the HSCO in a Feb 2024 email…The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced in 2023 that they will make permanent their auto theft and retail theft task forces. They were initially established to address the rising concerns about auto theft and retail theft in Hillsborough County. Both of those squads met or exceeded their expectations so they decided to become permanent.
“With their newly permanent status, the Auto Theft Squad and Retail Theft Squad will continue to build on their incredible accomplishments, further strengthening their impact on crime prevention and law enforcement efforts in our county,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “As Sheriff, I look forward to the continued success of these squads as they play a pivotal role in maintaining the safety and well-being of our Hillsborough County residents.”
[SOURCE: ABC Action News]
Kevin is a member of Tampa Bay‘s Hometown Morning Krewe on 995 QYK. He has been with the station for 25 years, is a Tampa native, and went to Jesuit High School and USF. Go Bulls!. He is passionate about all things Tampa Bay. Kevin writes articles on the ongoing road projects around the Tampa Bay area, awards that Tampa Bay cities and businesses have won and country music happenings around the Bay area. He is always doing many things with his wife and kids. He loves to read books and play video games in his spare time.
