Catalytic converter thefts have risen over 400% since 2019, according to a report recently released by State Farm Insurance.
From July 2021 to June 2022, catalytic converter thefts increased by 109% nationally compared to the number of insurance claims filed within the previous 12 months. More than 43,219 catalytic converters were stolen and reported by State Farm customers, according to the company’s report, compared to just above 20,600 in the previous 12 months.
Catalytic converters are auto emissions devices that can reduce up to 90% of a vehicle’s tailpipe emissions and are required on all new cars sold in the United States.
According to the report, California leads the nation in catalytic converter thefts with 24.5% of claims filed in the Golden State, followed by Texas with roughly 13.6%. Illinois, Washington, and Minnesota also saw a noticeable amount of thefts.
The thefts have plagued Dallas, as reported by The Dallas Express. In July, AAA reported that claims for stolen catalytic converters have increased 5,300% since 2019, and Dallas County had the third most thefts in the state.
In order to combat the trend, in 2021, Governor Greg Abbott signed into law a bill passed by the Texas legislature that made it a felony to steal a catalytic converter or buy or sell a stolen one. First-time offenders can receive six months to two years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Repeat offenders can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
On November 2, the Department of Justice announced the takedown of a nationwide catalytic converter theft ring in a news release. Federal, state, and local law enforcement coordinated across the United States to arrest individuals responsible for the thefts in California, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Over 20 individuals in five states have been arrested and charged for their roles in the conspiracy, according to the release. Over 32 search warrants were executed, and law enforcement seized millions of dollars in assets, including homes, bank accounts, cash, and luxury vehicles, the release states.
“Amidst a rise in catalytic converter thefts across the country, the Justice Department has today carried out an operation arresting 21 defendants and executing 32 search warrants in a nationwide takedown of a multimillion-dollar catalytic converter theft network,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We will continue to work alongside our state and local partners to disrupt criminal conspiracies like this one that target the American people.”
Catalytic converters can sell for over $1,000 on the black market. Depending on the type of vehicle and what state it is from, a catalytic converter can be sold for even more. It only takes minutes, and sometimes even less than a minute, for a catalytic converter to be stolen.
The Dallas Express contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation for additional information and comment. At the time of publication, the FBI had not responded.