---
title: Catalytic Converter Thefts Spike 288% in Just 2 Years
description: Catalytic converter theft is on the rise, and fleet vehicles are being targeted more than ever. These devices contain precious metals that can be sold for a high price, making them attractive to thieves.
---

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# [Catalytic Converter Thefts Spike 288% in Just 2 Years](https://hubspot.alliancefleetsolutions.com/blog/catalytic-converter-thefts-spike-288-in-just-2-years)

 Written by [Jonathon Spitz](https://hubspot.alliancefleetsolutions.com/blog/author/jonathon-spitz) | Jun 29, 2023 3:19:52 PM

 

- Across the country, [catalytic converter thefts](https://www.automotive-fleet.com/10192076/growing-fleet-danger-zone-catalytic-converter-thefts) have skyrocketed from 16,660 in 2020 to a staggering 64,701 in 2022, according to recent data from the [National Insurance Crime Bureau](https://www.nicb.org/) (NICB).

- California leads the nation for most catalytic converter thefts — with 24,102 theft claims in 2022 alone and a whopping 51,585 for the three consecutive years of 2020 to 2022.
- Top States for Catalytic Converter Thefts
- Other states that ranked among the top five for catalytic converter thefts in 2022 include [Texas](https://www.automotive-fleet.com/10194101/10-u-s-states-to-find-the-cheapest-gas-prices), which came in second with 8,027 thefts. The Lone Star State was followed by Pennsylvania with 2,757 thefts, Illinois with 2,021, and Washington with 1,943. 
- Catalytic converters are bolted to the underside of cars or trucks as part of their exhaust system. Thieves are well aware that these functional devices contain precious metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium — all more valuable than gold.
- A catalytic converter can be removed in just a few minutes, for vehicle owners, the cost is much more than the replacement parts.
- According to NICB, metal recyclers pay from $50 to $250 for a catalytic converter — and up to $800 for one removed from a hybrid vehicle. Moreover, replacing a stolen catalytic converter can be costly, ranging from  $1,000 to upwards of $3,500, depending on the type of vehicle.
- Fleets should be reminded not to leave vehicles unattended and idling as it puts them at risk for vehicle theft as well as catalytic converter theft.

[View full post](https://hubspot.alliancefleetsolutions.com/blog/catalytic-converter-thefts-spike-288-in-just-2-years)

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