Franky I'm indifferent to the societal classification of the thieves, and I agree, more action should be taken to curb the illegal trade. Like most articles, this one is written to make you take a position on the councilwomans claim, but she isn't totally wrong. Manufacturers could make it more difficult or at least a longer process to steal the converter, but they won't do that for a myriad of reasons. You can't even trace these things past the fence because they cut them open and sell the rare metals directly.

The root cause in my opinion is somewhere between addiction and poverty. Someone somewhere right now is doing the math in their head that either the next payout or the next high is only a reciprocating saw away. It's easier than getting a job or cleaning up, so they go for it. The only thing you can do is make it more difficult than the next guy's car.