Worrying about criminals stealing your catalytic converter? It mostly comes down to the type of car you drive. According to a recent report by the National Crime Insurance Bureau (NCIB), catalytic converter theft is up by approximately 977% since 2018 with cars like the Toyota Prius and Ford F150 being amongst the most popular targets for thieves. 

Why Catalytic Converter Thieves Are Targeting Your Car

Three things dictate whether your car will be a target of catalytic converter theft:

1. Amount of precious metal in the catalytic converter
   
   
2. Ease of access to your car's catalytic converter – making pickups and vans a popular target for thieves stealing catalytic converters.
   
   
3. Opportunity – even if your car isn’t listed, if you don’t have basic security measures in place you could be a target for opportunistic thieves

Low emissions vehicles like hybrids such as the Toyota Prius catalytic converter contain larger amounts of the precious metals platinum, rhodium and palladium to meet the strictest emission standards. Additionally, vehicles like the Toyota Prius have more than one catalytic converter giving thieves a greater payday for less work. While not all hybrid vehicles have converters that are loaded with precious metals, thieves may assume this to be the case and target any hybrid vehicle.

Trucks and SUVs are common targets of catalytic converter theft because they are raised higher off the ground providing easier access to the underside of the vehicle. This makes it easier for thieves to climb underneath and remove the converter.

Is Your Vehicle A Magnet For Catalytic Converter Thieves?

Ironically, luxury cars with the most expensive cat converters aren’t necessarily the most popular targets for thieves – although that does play a small role. Owners of cars on this list should be aware of where they are parking at all times.

Data indicates that a large instance of theft also occur from fleet companies where a lot of cars are parked up in one spot.

1985 – 2021 Ford F-Series pickup trucks (F-150, F250 etc)

1989 – 2020 Honda Accord

2007 – 2017 Jeep Patriot

1990 – 2022 Ford Econoline vans

1999 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks

2005 – 2021 Chevrolet Equinox

1997 – 2020 Honda CR-V

1987 – 2019 Toyota Camry

2011 – 2017 – Chrysler 200?

2001 – 2021 Toyota Prius

Does Where You Live Make A Difference?

The top 5 states in catalytic converter theft, as ranked by State Farm’s experience with claims, is led by California, which counted for more than 3 out of 10 claims being filed, followed by Texas, Minnesota, Washington and Illinois. State Farm called the situation in Texas “dire,” noting during 2020 there were 445 catalytic converter thefts reported by State Farm customers but in the first half of 2021, that number “ballooned” almost 210% to 1,380.”  

Surprisingly, time of year seems to be a factor as well. Catalytic converter thefts tend to rise more sharply at the end of summer and through December, then drop back in January, according to data from the NICB and  presented in a chart by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) in its presentation. 

Catalytic Converter Theft Ranked By Region

Top Vehicles Targeted In The West

Police are making some progress into halting catalytic converter theft but the organized criminal element stealing catalytic converters has seen theft grow steadily with more than $2.2 million in thefts over the past 2 years. As is seen in other areas, Toyota Prius catalytic converter theft tops the list.

2001 – 2021 Toyota Prius

1985 – 2021 Ford F Series

1989 – 2020 Honda Accord

1990 – 2022 Ford Econoline

1999 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado

2007 – 2020 Subaru Outback

2007 – 2017 Jeep Patriot

2003 – 2011 Honda Element

1998 – 2020 Subaru Forester

1995 – 2021 Toyota Tacoma

 Top Vehicles Targeted In The Northeast

Law enforcement in the Northeast have seen most instances of catalytic converter theft occurring over the weekend and despite making arrests have urged residents to be aware of where they are parking their vehicles.

1985 – 2021 Ford F Series

1987 – 2019 Toyota Camry

1989 – 2020 Honda Accord

2007 – 2017 Jeep Patriot

1997 – 2020 Honda CR-V

1998 – 2020 Subaru Forester

2007 – 2020 Subaru Outback

1990 – 2022 Ford Econoline

1999 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado

1993 – 2020 Nissan Altima

Top Vehicles Targeted In The South

Arizona has recently been revealed to be a hot-spot for catalytic converter thieves, seeing a ten-fold jump in thefts over the last 12 months, the second highest in the nation

1985 – 2021 Ford F-Series

1989 – 2020 Honda Accord

2007 – 2017 Jeep Patriot

1999 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado

1990 – 2022 Ford Econoline

2007 – 2021 Jeep Compass

1993 – 2020 Nissan Altima

2008 – 2014 Dodge Avenger

2011 – 2017 Chrysler 200

2011 – 2019 Chevrolet Cruze

Top Cars Targeted In The Midwest

The theft of catalytic converters has become a major problem across the Midwest. Law enforcement has been working with scrap metal merchants and local wreckers in an effort to thwart criminals stealing and reselling catalytic converters.

1985 – 2021 Ford F Series

2007 – 2017 Jeep Patriot

2011 – 2017 Chrysler 200

2005 – 2021 Chevrolet Equinox

2008 – 2014 Dodge Avenger

1990 – 2022 Ford Econoline

1997 – 2020 Honda CR-V

1999 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado

1987 – 2019 Toyota Camry

1989 – 2020 Honda Accord

If your vehicle is on the list, here’s how you can reduce the chance of your catalytic converter being stolen

Parking in an enclosed garage – ensuring your vehicle is out of sight of criminals and difficult to access will make it less likely to be vandalized or the catalytic converter stolen.

Park in a well lit area or install security lights – There are fewer things thieves hate more than being visible so for those without access to an enclosed garage this will greatly reduce your chance of being a target.

Park fleet vehicles in an area that is well-lit, locked and alarmed – Despite fleets being a major target for catalytic converter thieves, reports state that the lowest number of thefts come from locked, alarmed garages, even if the fleet consists of high-value targets like Toyota Prius catalytic converters.

 The number one action you can take to reduce the risk of catalytic converter theft is to install Fast Guard Alarms on the catalytic converter.