Catalytic converter thefts last year likely exceeded earlier estimates.
According to new data compiled by CARFAX, there were approximately 153,000 thefts of catalytic converters throughout 2022. CARFAX derived the data by noting catalytic converter replacements in the millions of service and maintenance records it reviewed.
Throughout the nation, the thefts have been on the rise. The catalytic converters are targeted for their valuable metals — platinum, palladium, and rhodium. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter thefts reported in insurance claims increased sharply from 2019 to 2022. Some cities have reporting the thefts tripling in the past year.
The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association has worked with Congress on federal laws to combat the thefts. In February, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Mike Braun (R-IN), for reintroducing the “Preventing Auto Recycling Theft Act (PART).” The legislation aims to combat the issue of nationwide catalytic converter thefts.
The bill is the Senate companion to HR 621 introduced by Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-4) Jan. 31. The PART Act provides a national framework to help law enforcement combat catalytic converter theft, requiring new vehicles to have unique, traceable identifying numbers stamped on catalytic converters during assembly. It also establishes a federal criminal penalty for the theft, sale, trafficking or known purchase of stolen catalytic converters of up to five years in jail.
CARFAX compiled a list of the most targeted vehicles by thieves — Ford F-Series pickup trucks, Honda Accord, Toyota Prius, Honda CR-V, Ford Explorer, Ford Econoline vans, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Cruze.
CARFAX also provided the following advice for car owners:
• Park in a well-lit area.
• Park in your garage if possible, instead of in the driveway or on the street.
• If you must park in a driveway, consider installing motion sensor security lights.
• Install a catalytic converter anti-theft device.
• Have a muffler shop etch your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the converter and spray it with a highly visible, high-heat paint. Doing so enables law enforcement to track converters, which in turn could lead police to the thieves.
