Catalytic converter thefts may be on the rise again in the Houston area, and a recent case in northwest Harris County is highlighting just how costly and damaging these crimes can be.
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, thieves targeted a FedEx facility in the Willowbrook area earlier this week, breaking in overnight and stealing catalytic converters from multiple vehicles.
Investigators say the suspects cut a hole through a fence to gain access to the property, where they damaged about 10 FedEx trucks while removing the parts.
Law enforcement officials say they’ve seen a slight uptick in catalytic converter thefts over the past few months, after a noticeable drop in recent years.
“It all comes down to money,” said Sgt. Tracy Hicks with the Houston Police Department’s Auto Theft Task Force.
Hicks explained that when the value of precious metals inside catalytic converters dropped, so did the incentive to steal them.
“The price of the metals… went way, way down, so there was no real profit,” Hicks said.
But now, as prices begin to shift again, authorities say thieves may be returning to the crime.
Certain vehicles more at risk
Officials say large-scale locations like delivery facilities are especially attractive targets because they allow thieves to hit multiple vehicles at once.
“They’re looking for places with several vehicles in one area,” Hicks said.
But not all vehicles are equally targeted. Police say thieves typically go after larger trucks and SUVs, which have bigger catalytic converters and are more valuable.
Among the most commonly targeted vehicles:
Smaller cars are generally less likely to be targeted.
Prevention tips
Law enforcement says there are several ways drivers can reduce their risk:
Install or upgrade a vehicle alarm system
Consider adding a protective shield over the catalytic converter
“There’s no reason to become a victim of these crimes,” Hicks said. “They’re very preventable.”
Stronger laws, but continued vigilance
While cases may be increasing, authorities say theft levels are still far below what they were a few years ago, when catalytic converter thefts surged across Texas and the country.
In 2022, the issue gained widespread attention after the killing of Harris County Deputy Darren Almendarez, who was shot by suspects attempting to steal his catalytic converter.
Following his death, Texas lawmakers passed tougher laws aimed at cracking down on catalytic converter thefts, giving law enforcement more tools to investigate and prosecute offenders.
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