Catalytic conversion theft Have get sick America, all of which provide a multimillion-dollar underground black market. And while some models unfortunately targeted more than others – no one is immune. Even one of us here at Jalopnik had the cat lifted off their car. Latest data from Allstate shows that cat theft is on the rise, it’s not just bad. This is crazy.
According to data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter thefts increased 1,215 percent from 2019 to 2022. During the same time period, Allstate reported that among its customers, converter replacement requests increased 1,155 percent. The percentage is unbelievable when you break it down by state and region.
Of the 12 states with the highest increase in theft, the Pacific Northwest took the top two spots. Oregon, at number one is increased 7,200 percent while Washington State Steps In #2 with a 7,150 percent gain. Those thefts continue increase despite efforts to limit them, like Oregon’s Law 2022 prevent scrap metal businesses from purchasing or receiving converters.
Of course, the increase in theft can be attributed to greed. The high concentration of precious metals from which the transducers are made, namely Rhodium, Palladium and Platinum bring in the big bucks. And with the value of these precious metals continuing to rise. For example, metal value website Kitco.com says value of rhodium currently sitting at $7,300 one ounce. At that price, of course cat thieves are more desperate to get the adapters.
Like their kind neighbor (heh), Allstate has provided tips for owners to help prevent your adapter from being stolen, such as parking in a well-lit area or in the garage, use the alarm system, or see if you can get help from your local authority or repair shop. But it will ultimately come down to automakers to prevent these thefts from happening. Or people can just wait until the EV transition is complete. Thieves cannot steal a non-existent catalytic converter.
