Catalytic converters have become prime targets for thieves seeking to cash in on the precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium contained within. Despite containing only a small amount of these valuable metals—typically around 6 grams or less in current models—thieves see them as a lucrative opportunity.

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These converters are positioned between a car's engine and muffler. A stolen converter is usually evident to the driver upon starting their vehicle due to signs such as loud noise, abnormal exhaust odor or color, and sluggish acceleration.

To mitigate catalytic converter theft, CARFAX suggests several precautionary measures for drivers:

- Parking in well-lit areas.
- Utilizing a garage if available instead of leaving the vehicle in the driveway or on the street.
- Staying vigilant of the surroundings where the vehicle is parked.
- Installing an anti-theft device specifically designed for catalytic converters.
- Considering the installation of motion-activated security lights, especially for driveway parking.
- Enlisting a muffler shop to etch the vehicle's VIN onto the converter and coat it with highly visible, heat-resistant paint.

According to data from CAT Converter Express, the following are the ten U.S. cities with the highest rates of catalytic converter theft claims:

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10. Sacramento, CA
9. Seattle, WA
8. Portland, OR
7. Phoenix, AZ
6. Atlanta, GA
5. Baltimore/Washington, D.C.
4. Chicago, IL
3. Oakland/San Francisco, CA
2. Houston, TX
1. Los Angeles/Orange County, CA