Texas is the #2 state in the U.S. for catalytic converter theft.
In 2020, Texas ranked 4th when it came to catalytic converter theft. In 2021, Texas jumped to #2. This is according to State Farm, who stated that they had paid claims totaling $2.6 million dollars. (Source)
Also, be sure to check out:
Why Do People Steal Catalytic Converters From Cars?
Which cars and trucks are most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen
Catalytic Converter Etching: A How-To Guide
Which cars are least likely to have catalytic converters stolen?
Does Insurance Cover Catalytic Converter Theft?
How to prevent catalytic converter theft on a Toyota Prius (and other cars)
Protect your vehicle with a catalytic converter theft shield
Check Amazon for your vehicle make and model
Recent news stories about catalytic converter theft in Texas
Catalytic converter theft can happen anywhere; however, here are just a few examples of catalytic converter theft in some of Texas’s major cities:
Arlington
How to Curb Costly Catalytic Converter Thefts – NBC5-DFW News
Catalytic converter thefts on the rise around campus – The Shorthorn
Austin
APD: Catalytic converter thefts on the rise, one neighborhood has more than 350% spike – KXAN News
Catalytic converter thefts rising at an alarming rate in Central Texas – KVUE News
Corpus Christi
Huge increase in catalytic converter thefts in Corpus Christi – KIII-3 News
CCPD: Catalytic converter thefts up 312% in Corpus Christi – KRIS 6 News
Catalytic converter thefts are rising in Corpus Christi. Here’s how to avoid becoming a target – Caller-Times
Dallas
Dallas Police: Catalytic Converter Thefts Nearly Quadrupled In 2021 – CBS DFW News
Dallas Police Ask Public For Help Identifying Suspects In Catalytic Converter Theft – Newsbreak
Texas dealerships high on list of catalytic-converter thefts – Mega Dealer News
Dallas Woman On the Hunt for Auto Theft Ring That Stole Her Corvettes, 11 Other Cars – The Drive
El Paso
El Paso police arrest suspect from Socorro, Texas, in theft of catalytic converters – El Paso Times
El Paso sees big spike in catalytic converters thefts – KFOX 14 News
Man arrested for trying to buy stolen catalytic converters – KTSM 9 News
Catalytic converter thefts on the rise in El Paso County, how you can protect yours – KRDO News
Fort Worth
Man Shot After Catalytic Converter Theft in Fort Worth: Police – NBC DFW News
Strike force cracks down on catalytic converter theft around Fort Worth – Spectrum Local News
Houston
Houston continues to see high levels of catalytic converter theft despite recently taking down an organized theft ring that was responsible for nearly $12 million dollars in catalytic converter thefts.
Houston catalytic converter theft continues to hit Houston, Texas, hard but are there any signs of improvement? – AntitheftGuys
Catalytic converter thefts are up in Houston. Some say the thieves are unstoppable – CHRON
Stockpile of ‘several hundred’ stolen catalytic converters found in Texas, cops say – Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Thieves target 11 cars taking off with catalytic converters at METRO Park & Ride lot in SE Houston – ABC 13 Eyewitness News
Laredo
Plano
Thieves Are Coveting Catalytic Converters – NBC DFW News
San Antonio
Catalytic converter theft on the rise; here’s what thieves are looking for – KENS 5
3 men arrested for theft of catalytic converters on San Antonio’s West Side, deputies say -KSAT 12
Thieves continue to take catalytic converters in San Antonio – News 4 San Antonio
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are people stealing catalytic converters in Texas?
People steal catalytic converters for many reasons, but the primary reason that catalytic converters are taken in Texas is that they can be a source of quick cash.
Each catalytic converter contains precious metals such as Platinum, Palladium, and Rhodium, and thieves can get between $50-200 on average per stolen converter, but some car models draw higher prices. Often this cash is used to buy drugs or fund other illegal activities.
What is the charge for stealing a catalytic converter in Texas?
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 4110 in June 2021, which makes it a felony to buy or sell stolen catalytic converters.
What is the state of Texas doing to prevent catalytic converter theft?
Texas recently passed HB 4110, which is aimed at recycling facilities that frequently buy used catalytic converters. These catalytic converters are then recycled for their precious metals. The goal is to get recyclers to require a seller’s thumbprint and provide documentation showing ownership of the vehicle where the part came from. Each catalytic converter is to be marked so that it could be traced back to the original vehicle if needed as part of a police investigation.
The bill was signed by the governor on 6/18/2021 and subsequently went into effect on September 21st, 2021. It also raised the penalty from a misdemeanor to a felony. You can read the bill in its entirety here.
Can you drive without a catalytic converter in Texas?
No. All cars must have a catalytic converter installed. According to EPA.gov, and covered under federal law, catalytic converters may not be removed or replaced with converter replacement pipes, often known as test pipes or straight pipes.
