Cars at risk for catalytic converter (CAT) theft don’t fit into any convenient category. The thieves don’t seem to confine their activities to any particular car manufacturer. They don’t show any special liking for one theft is not confined to one car manufacturer or body style.
Cars at Risk for Catalytic Converter Theft
The cars most commonly targeted by catalytic converter theft nationwide are:
- 1985-2021 Ford F-Series
- 1987-2019 Toyota Camry
- 1989-2020 Honda Accord
- 1990-2022 Ford Econoline
- 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
- 1997-2020 Honda CR-V
- 2001-21 Toyota Prius
- 2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox
- 2007-17 Jeep Patriot
- 2011-17 Chrysler 200
Tips to Prevent CAT Theft
Here are some tips on how to guard your car against the crime of catalytic converter theft:
- Park in a locked garage wherever possible, or choose a parking spot that is well-lit and where there are lots of people around. Lack of easy access, darkness, and people around to see the deed all make it too risky for thieves to choose your car as a target.
- Look for and park within view of a CCTV camera. The thieves will be looking to avoid them.
- Park in places that make access difficult, for instance, close to a fence, wall, or curb.
- In a public parking lot, park so that your hood is next to the wall. This makes it harder for the thief to get access to the part they want to steal.
- Some catalytic converters are bolted on. If CAT theft is a particular concern, ask your local garage to weld the bolts to make the harder to remove the
- If your catalytic converter is bolted on, you can ask for your local garage to weld the bolts to make it more difficult to remove. There are also cages that lock in around the CAT to protect them from theft.
- Finally, resist the urge to park halfway up the pavement. Parked that way, any would-be thieves have the easiest access of all to your catalytic converter. Either park flat on the road, or choose a different spot.