Last Updated on May 15, 2025
Over the last few years, the number of catalytic converter thefts in the nation has gone off the charts. The reason? A catalytic converter, an exhaust emission controlling system that helps reduce the pollutants emitted from a vehicle’s engine, contains rare materials that have been going up dramatically in value for the past few years, including platinum, palladium, and rhodium. As a result, scrap yards have been buying them for up to $250 each. To make matters worse, some of the criminals who steal them have been simply selling them on the black market -sometimes to victims of catalytic converter theft who need to replace the part on their vehicle -earning the thieves anywhere from $600 to $900 per stolen catalytic converter. The actual theft isn’t exactly tricky either since a catalytic converter just needs to be sawed off, which can take anywhere from 1 to 15 minutes, depending on the skill level of the thieves.
How Common is Catalytic Converter Theft in Vista?
A few years ago, this crime occurred, but not anywhere near the level it is taking place today. In California in 2019, there were only 1,254 thefts over the entire year. That number rose over 400% to 6021 in 2020. By 2021, there were 18,026 thefts, a 1400% increase since 2019! And California is the state with the highest number of thefts of catalytic converters, with Texas coming in second.
The cars that are most commonly targeted for their catalytic converters are the Toyota Prius, Honda Element, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Tacoma, and Honda Accord.
While most criminals are not caught because the act is such a quick process, some notable exceptions took place in San Diego County:
- One thief’s jack fell, leaving him pinned under the car
- One repeat offender was caught after footage of the crime was shared on the Nextdoor app
- Escondido police caught three people in possession of eight catalytic converters, burglary tools and other evidence in their vehicle
So What Are the the Penalties?
Stealing a catalytic converter is a crime under California law, which categorizes this offense as either petty theft or grand theft based on whether or not more than $950 worth of goods were stolen. Estimating the value of the goods is where it gets tricky with the crime of stealing a catalytic converter.
The price of these parts can vary from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars depending on the vehicle model and whether or not the stolen part is an aftermarket product made and sold by a third party or the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). In cases where the alleged thief is caught with more than one catalytic converter, the value of the stolen goods will be based on the total aggregate value of all of the items combined.
While most owners will need to hire a mechanic or go to the dealership to install their new catalytic converter, only the value of the stolen part will be used to determine whether the charges will be grand or petty theft. In other words, if a stolen Toyota Prius catalytic converter was worth $900, then the charges would be petty theft, even if the cost to replace the part was $1150 after parts and labor. Those convicted of both misdemeanor and felony theft crimes must pay restitution to the victim that covers the full replacement value for the catalytic converter, including both parts and labor.
Catalytic Converter Petty Theft
If charged as petty theft, this crime will be filed as a misdemeanor, and prosecutors even have the option to reduce the charges to an infraction, though this is unlikely in the case of catalytic converters since this is such a hot-button issue that causes the vehicle owner so much frustration. As a misdemeanor, the crime carries a sentence of no more than six months in prison. There is an exception, however, if the defendant already has two prior theft convictions. In this case, the offense becomes a penalty, punishable by up to 3 years in prison.
Penalties for Grand Theft
Grand theft can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony and this is where a skilled defense attorney can play a significant difference in the case. As a misdemeanor, the penalty will not exceed one year in county jail. As a felony, those convicted of grand theft can face up to three years in state prison.
Organized Theft Rings
Anyone who steals, accepts stolen goods, or helps organize thefts in concert with one or more people can be charged for the offense, even if they were not actually the person who took the item. Under this law, those convicted of a misdemeanor can face a full year in jail, rather than the standard six-month sentence for petty theft.
What About Auto Burglary Charges?
While auto burglary charges apply to many other auto part theft crimes because the perpetrator must break into a vehicle to access the vehicle part, this charge does not apply to these thefts as the thief does not need to enter the car. Instead, those who steal catalytic converters merely lift the vehicle with a jack to access the part.
Although auto burglary charges may not apply in these situations, perpetrators can be charged with vehicle tampering, which outlaws taking parts from cars. This crime is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail.
Charges for Parts Recyclers
In September of 2022, Governor Newsom signed into law a pair of bills designed to make auto part recyclers and resellers less inclined to buy stolen catalytic converters. Under Vehicle Code section 10852.5 (VC) and Business and Professions Code 21610 (BPC), those who sell catalytic converters to recyclers and resellers must show the parts were not stolen, and the business must do its part to verify this information.
Additionally, resellers and recyclers now must keep detailed logs that track the VIN of catalytic converters they purchase, along with contracts that include copies of the seller’s ID card, and they must use traceable payment methods. Failure to properly maintain these logs will subject the company to increasing fines, starting at $1,000 for a first offense and $2,000 for a second offense. Continued failure to cooperate will result in a temporary suspension from the ability to do business.
If you have been accused of stealing a catalytic converter, speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Attorney Peter M. Liss offers free consultations, and both of his offices have free parking. For more information, please call (760) 643-4050 or (858) 486-3024.
