Catalytic converter thefts: The most targeted vehicles
Huntington Beach, CA - November 13: Huntington Beach, CA - November 13: Catalytic converters, like this one, are being stolen for the precious metals they contain. (Photo by Mindy Schauer/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
DETROIT (FOX 2) - Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise around the country.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter theft reports across the country rose 977% from 2018 to 2020.
Related: Catalytic converter thieves shoot at vehicle owner when confronted in Detroit
"There is a clear connection between times of crisis, limited resources, and disruption of the supply chain that drives these thefts," according to the NICB.
Thieves cut the catalytic converters off the underside of cars then melt the precious metals and sell them.
If your catalytic converter has been removed, the vehicle will run loud. Without a catalytic converter, a vehicle does not convert emissions from the engine into safe gases before they leave the vehicle.
Carfax complied a list of the most commonly targeted vehicles in the United States:
- 1985-2021 Ford F-Series pickup trucks (F-150, F-250, etc.)
- 1989-2020 Honda Accord
- 2007-17 Jeep Patriot
- 1990-2022 Ford Econoline vans
- 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks
- 2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox
- 1997-2020 Honda CR-V
- 1987-2019 Toyota Camry
- 2011-17 Chrysler 200
- 2001-21 Toyota Prius
Carfax also broke down the data by regions. Here are the most targeted vehicles in the Midwest:
- 1985-2021 Ford F-Series
- 2007-17 Jeep Patriot
- 2011-17 Chrysler 200
- 2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox
- 2008-14 Dodge Avenger
- 1990-2022 Ford Econoline
- 1997-2020 Honda CR-V
- 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
- 1987-2019 Toyota Camry
- 1989-2020 Honda Accord