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The Toyota Most Likely to be Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft

Here’s everything you need to know about catalytic converter theft, and overall car theft with a quick look at which vehicles are targeted the most and why---some of which will likely surprise you.
Cars Stolen the Most Often

Car-Related Thievery Abounds
Are you under the impression that catalytic converter theft is mostly a meth-head-looking-for-a quick-buck problem? According to a recent Scotty Kilmer YouTube channel episode, catalytic converter-related crimes are becoming organized with specific vehicles being targeted on an Amazon-like basis with criminals checking which cats are currently in demand and going for the highest prices.

In other words, the resale of stolen catalytic converters on the black market is big business and is falling more under the purview of organized crime rather than that of opportunity thieves looking to make some easy money.

While we have learned about some catalytic converter anti-theft products and why resorting to a cat-delete is a bad idea, the solution to the problem is ephemeral at best; If someone really wants to steal the catalytic converter on your vehicle…they can and will.

In fact, if your catalytic converter has been stolen once, there’s a good chance the replacement will be stolen as well---if you do not change the scenario that made your vehicle a target in the first place. I recently learned about someone who gave up and sold their Prius after three catalytic converter thefts. However, they did not really do anything different about their car after the first two thefts. So, well…go figure. If you do not make it hard for them, why wouldn’t they come back?!

That is the main message behind the video posted below that is helpful: how to make theft so difficult that the thieves will pass your vehicle by and choose an easier target.

Toyota Vehicle Statistically Rated as the Most Likely

In case you do not want to watch the video, the answer to which vehicle statistically has the most catalytic converter-related thefts is the Toyota Tundra. Three reasons why the Tundra is especially targeted are due to:

1. The Tundra sits higher than most vehicles making access to the converters much easier without having to jack up the vehicle.

2. The Tundra carries not one or two, but four catalytic converters.

3. The catalytic converters in the Tundra contain more of the precious metals in them than typical catalytic converters.

Related article: Consumer Reports Recommended Anti-Theft Protection for Your Car. Plus, a Toyota Tundra Crazy Theft Story and How It Happened

Police Catch Thieves Stealing Catalytic Converters in Driveways

And finally…

For additional articles related to catalytic converter and car theft, here are a few for your consideration:

• It’s This Easy to Pick the Lock on a Ford Explorer

• Catalytic Converter Criminal You Would Not Expect

• A Determined Catalytic Converter Theft and Other Car Fails

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Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

Image Source: Unsplash

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