Catalytic converter theft on the rise in Utah

Some vehicles are more vulnerable than others

Sherin said the top three brands of cars that thieves target are Toyota, Honda and Lexus. Car models with the highest rates of catalytic converters getting stolen are Toyota Prius, Honda Element, Toyota 4-Runner and Toyota Tacoma. 

“Hybrid vehicles, like the Prius, are frequently targeted because they have the two different power sources.” Sherin continued, “The catalytic converters have various rare metals in them, like platinum, rhodium and palladium — which can be sold for up to $150 for each component.”

How to protect your car from catalytic converter theft

Sherin said to try to park in secure parking garages.  If that’s not possible, she said to try and park your car where there is a lot of foot traffic and good lighting. This may deter a thief from taking your catalytic converter.

People can also back up their vehicles against a wall which will make it more difficult to get underneath. “That’s why trucks and SUVs are good targets because they have more clearance from the ground,” said Sherin, “but the best way to prevent thefts of your catalytic converter is to have it strapped down with a metal band,” she continued. 

Sherin stated it can cost up to $2000 to replace a catalytic converter, so she recommended getting comprehensive insurance to cover the cost if it’s stolen, explaining that it can be less expensive in the long run. 

Sherin said that auto manufacturers aren’t doing anything to deter converters. However, she explained that the California Attorney General is calling on manufacturers and enacting legislation to hold them responsible for the ease of removing that equipment from the cars they make.