Catalytic converter thefts are making a comeback across the country, and once again, Toyota Prius owners are finding themselves squarely in the crosshairs.
Law enforcement agencies from Maryland to Wisconsin to Washington state are warning drivers about a recent uptick in thefts, with police specifically pointing to older Prius models as a favorite target for thieves. According to a recent FOX television report carried by multiple affiliates, thieves are targeting the Prius because its low emissions system contains higher concentrations of valuable precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium.
There’s another reason criminals love the Prius: it’s easy prey.
Police departments in Annapolis, Maryland, and Madison, Wisconsin, told FOX affiliates the Prius is particularly vulnerable because of its relatively light weight and the easy access underneath the vehicle. In many cases, thieves can slide under the car with a battery-powered saw, cut out the catalytic converter, and disappear in less than three minutes.
That leaves the owner with a repair bill that can easily run into four figures.
Catalytic converters are part of a vehicle’s emissions system, designed to reduce harmful pollutants before they leave the tailpipe. Inside the converter are precious metals that act as catalysts during the emissions-cleaning process. Hybrid vehicles like the Prius often contain larger amounts of those metals because their gasoline engines do not run continuously like traditional gas-powered vehicles. That means the converters operate at cooler temperatures and require more precious metal content to remain effective.
Translation: thieves see dollar signs.
This isn’t a brand-new problem. Catalytic converter thefts exploded nationwide during and after the pandemic as precious metal prices soared. Scrap yards were paying hundreds of dollars for stolen converters, and organized theft rings quickly figured out which vehicles offered the biggest payday with the least amount of effort.
The Prius quickly became public enemy No. 1.
Dallas-area drivers may remember a rash of catalytic converter thefts a few years ago, when Dallas police released surveillance images seeking suspects involved in converter thefts in Pleasant Grove.
Now, authorities say the trend is heating back up again.
Police departments around the country are warning owners not to confront thieves if they catch one in the act. Authorities say suspects often work in teams and can become violent when interrupted. In at least one reported incident cited by FOX affiliates, a suspect allegedly pulled a gun on a person who attempted to stop a theft in progress.
So, what can Prius owners do?
Experts and police agencies recommend several common-sense steps.
Park inside a garage whenever possible. If a garage isn’t available, park in well-lit areas or locations covered by security cameras.
Aftermarket catalytic converter shields have also become increasingly popular. These steel or aluminum plates bolt underneath the car and make it much harder for thieves to access the converter quickly. Many owners say the shields are often enough to make criminals move on to an easier target.
Some owners are also installing tilt alarms that activate if the vehicle is jacked up unexpectedly.
Another recommendation from police: engrave the vehicle’s VIN number onto the catalytic converter itself. While it won’t necessarily stop the theft, it can help law enforcement identify stolen parts and may discourage resale to scrap dealers.
The good news is newer Prius models appear to be somewhat less attractive to thieves than older generations. Automotive experts say Toyota moved the catalytic converter closer to the engine in newer designs, making it harder to access and somewhat less valuable.
Still, “somewhat less attractive” is not the same thing as “safe.”
If you own an older Prius and suddenly start your car one morning sounding like a NASCAR stock car with a megaphone exhaust, there’s a pretty good chance you just became somebody else’s payday.