According to recent reports, a series of thefts occurred in Berkeley, California, while St. Paul, Minnesota, and the suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee, have also recorded similar trends.
A catalytic converter is a device in a vehicle's exhaust system containing high-value rare precious metals.
According to insurance company State Farm, claims related to the theft of these parts peaked in 2022 with approximately 45,000 incidents. By 2024, this number dropped to around 7,600 cases, according to a report by personal finance website MoneyGeek.
However, experts suggest that current market conditions are putting this type of crime at risk of increasing once more.
One of the primary causes is the price of rhodium—a key component in catalytic converters—which has surged, exceeding $12,000 per ounce by late February 2026.
In addition to rhodium, these devices contain platinum and palladium, two other high-value precious metals that can sell for thousands of dollars per ounce, similar to the value seen in large-scale jewelry heists.
David Glawe, President and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), stated that when metal prices rise, thefts of these devices typically follow suit.
Previously, the Toyota Prius was the most targeted vehicle because its catalytic converter contains a higher amount of precious metals and experiences less wear and tear.
High-clearance vehicles like pickup trucks are also frequent targets because the part is easily accessible from underneath, causing similar concerns to the rise in wheel thefts in residential areas.
According to the MoneyGeek report, vehicles currently targeted include:
- hybrid vehicles
- pickup trucks
- mid-size sedans like the Honda Accord
Experts recommend that car owners install catalytic converter protection plates to reduce the risk of theft.
Additionally, parking in garages, well-lit areas, or places with surveillance cameras can help mitigate the risk of having property stolen.
