Security Tips Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention March 31, 2026 Catalytic converter theft has risen dramatically in recent years. Learn what makes catalytic converters valuable to thieves, and discover the most effective prevention strategies — including the proactive video surveillance systems Watchmen uses to stop theft before it happens. Catalytic converter theft has been an issue in the United States for decades, but documented occurrences have increased dramatically in recent years. While a catalytic converter is a relatively small item, people can steal yours right off your car within minutes and sell it for hundreds of dollars. What Is a Catalytic Converter? A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device located between the muffler and the manifold underneath your vehicle. All automobiles manufactured after 1974 are required to have catalytic converters. They are easy to steal because they're bolted to the car's underside and some contain precious metals more valuable than gold. Why Do People Steal Catalytic Converters? Many catalytic converters contain rhodium, platinum, and palladium — metals that have significantly increased in value in recent years. Some catalytic converters can be sold as scrap metal for $150 to $200, and the theft can be completed in minutes with only a few tools. How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft - Determine if Your Vehicle Is a Target — Trucks, SUVs, and Toyota Priuses are common targets because they are easy to access or because their catalytic converters are in excellent condition due to hybrid drivetrains. - Check Your Car Insurance Policy — Verify if part theft is covered under your insurance policy and consider reducing your deductible if your vehicle is high risk. - Mark Your Catalytic Converter — Write your license plate number on your catalytic converter with high-temperature paint to make it identifiable to scrapyard managers. - Park in Secure and Well-Lit Areas — Most catalytic converter thefts occur in parking lots overnight. Park underneath a light or somewhere with more foot traffic. - Install Anti-Theft Devices — Many muffler companies offer metal shields that bolt to the chassis, and cable locking devices make converters much more difficult to remove. - Install Video Surveillance and Other Security Measures — The preferred catalytic converter theft prevention system at Watchmen Security deploys thermal detection cameras and cameras with artificial intelligence that can identify human beings in areas where they should not be. The cameras and live monitoring agents activate loud talk-down speakers to drive criminals away. "Right now, the value of the precious metal inside catalytic converters is sky high. The best way to prevent these incidents is to proactively monitor the area with video cameras and audio talk-down speakers that stop the person in the act before they have the time to cut off the catalytic converter." — Lucas Ingala, CEO/Founder of Watchmen Security Services Contact Watchmen Security to learn how our proactive monitoring systems can protect your vehicles and property.