According to a recent CarFax study, Ford F-Series pickup trucks are the number one target for catalytic converter thieves, followed by the Honda Accord.

The latest numbers show that as of March 2022, platinum is valued at $1,128 per ounce, palladium at $2,938 per ounce, and rhodium is valued at $20,000 per ounce, making catalytic converter theft a very attractive proposition to the criminal element. Replacing a stolen catalytic converter can run anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 or more depending on the vehicle model, making theft a lucrative endeavor.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NCIB) reported that the number of catalytic converter thefts with a claim filed rose from 1,298 in 2018 to 14,433 in 2020, a dramatic increase of 325%. The CarFax study also showed that the odds of catalytic converter theft are dependent upon the region in which the vehicle is driven, with the West and Northeast regions having the highest rates of theft.

In order to protect their vehicles from catalytic converter theft, car owners should take a holistic approach. This includes keeping their vehicles away from public access when not in use, such as in a garage or in a well-lit area, or somewhere that can be outfitted with a security camera. Additionally, car owners can have their vehicle identification numbers engraved on their catalytic converter for free, which serves as an indication to would-be buyers that the converter has been stolen. Painting the converter with brightly colored, high-temperature paint can also help deter potential thieves. Other anti-theft measures, such as alarm systems and metal plates or rebar shields, can be installed to make the converter harder to remove. Finally, car owners should check their car insurance to make sure that their comprehensive coverage includes protection from theft.