If a dramatic spike in Google searches are any indication, catalytic converter theft has become a hot topic in recent years. The average number of searches each year for ?catalytic converter theft? jumped 3,544% from 2018 to 2021.

In this article, we explore why interest in catalytic converter theft has spiked recently, using statistical data to analyze the issue. We also dive into some of the reasons why people steal catalytic converters, how to prevent the theft of a catalytic converter from your vehicle, and what to do if your catalytic converter is stolen.

Catalytic Converter Theft Is On the Rise

Theft of catalytic converters has increased dramatically over the past several years, according to data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). A recent report from the NICB says that drivers filed 1,298 claims for catalytic converter theft in 2018. That number more than doubled in 2019, with 3,389 such claims filed. Insurers saw that number skyrocket in 2020, when drivers filed 14,433 catalytic converter theft claims ? a roughly 325% increase. 
Some Areas See More Catalytic Converter Theft Than Others

While thefts are on the rise nationwide, some areas have seen a bigger uptick than others. The website BeenVerified used a combination of NICB data and Google search trends to analyze which areas of the country are catalytic converter theft hotspots.

States With the Highest Rates of Catalytic Converter Theft

According to BeenVerified, these ...