Washington once again ranks in the top 3 of all states when it comes to catalytic converter theft. According to BeenVerified.com, Washington averaged 148 catalytic converter thefts per 100,000 registered vehicles. However, if you own one of these popular car brands to be targeted, such as a Honda, Toyota, or Lexus, you have a much higher risk of catalytic converter theft.
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 Washington
Catalytic converter theft can happen anywhere, however, here are just a few examples of catalytic converter theft in Washington’s major cities:
Bellevue
Armed thieves steal Bellevue family’s catalytic converter – Kiro7 News
Everett
Everett Police Arrest 2 Suspects for Catalytic Converter Thefts in 8 Days – Everett Post
Everett Police arrest catalytic converter theft suspect a block away from crime scene – Fox13 Seattle
Kent
Nearly 800 stolen catalytic converters recovered by Kent police – King 5 News
Catalytic converter thefts nearly triple in Kent County this year – WoodTV8 News
Kirkland
Renton
Crime stats indicate recent increase in catalytic converter thefts in Renton – Renton Reporter
Seattle
Seattle resident shot at after confronting attempted catalytic converter thieves in SoDo neighborhood – King5 News
Six stolen every day in Seattle: Everything you wanted to know about the astronomical spike in catalytic converter thefts – Kiro7 News
Catalytic converter thefts hit Seattle-area music venue – Seattle PI
Spokane
Couple hopes new legislation will help end catalytic converter theft – KXLY
‘It’s a problem nationwide’: New proposed Washington house bill aims to stop catalytic converter thefts – KXLY
Spokane Valley
CVSD: Thieves steal catalytic converters from school vans – KHQ News
Tacoma
Man Fatally Shot Over Catalytic Converter Theft Identified – US News
Catalytic Converter Thefts On The Rise – Tacoma Weekly
Vancouver
Police report large increase in car thefts in Vancouver – KGW8 News
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the charge for stealing a catalytic converter in Washington?
What is the state of Washington doing to prevent catalytic converter theft?
House Bill 1815 was recently passed and went into effect on March 30, 2022. It requires scrap yards, metal recyclers, and junkyards to require vehicle ownership as part of the sale transaction between the buyer and seller.
