Jun 2, 2026
Thieves stole catalytic converters from at least two Maryland drivers, leaving them facing thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket repair bills — and the entire spree lasted less than 30 minutes.
According to the Sykesville Police Department, the suspects targeted parked vehicles in the early morning hours of May 21, and were spotted on surveillance cameras cutting out two catalytic converters before vanishing into the night, Baltimore station Fox 5 reports.
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Police are still actively investigating the situation. In nearby Annapolis, local law enforcement are also tracking a similar uptick in catalytic converter thefts.
Because they’re packed with trace amounts of precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, catalytic converters are often prime targets for theft — and can fetch a pretty sum on the black market. But for the average car owner, waking up to a missing converter means dealing with a costly expense.
Theft can trigger a four-figure repair bill
Many drivers don’t realize how costly a catalytic converter is until it’s gone.
Although replacement costs vary widely depending on the vehicle, the bill can easily climb into the thousands. AutoZone estimates that replacement parts alone can range from roughly $300 to $2,500 for many vehicles, with labor costs adding even more to the final invoice.
And the expense doesn’t always end with the repair itself. Depending on parts availability, some drivers can be left without their vehicle for days or even weeks, potentially facing rental car costs, rideshare expenses, or other transportation bills while they wait for repairs.
According to auto industry experts, the metals in converters have an even higher resale value than gold, ultimately putting thousands into the pockets of criminals. According to dealerships, converter theft may be covered under comprehensive car insurance, but not standard warranties.
Some vehicles are particularly vulnerable. Toyota Prius models, for example, are often targeted because they sit relatively high off the ground and their converters can be removed quickly without specialized equipment. Other common targets include Chevrolet Silverado 1500s and Honda Accords, among others, according to security company Amarok.
In some theft cases, the damage can extend beyond the converter itself. Thieves will often cut surrounding exhaust pipes and wiring, adding even more to the final repair bill.
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How to protect yourself against rising catalytic converter thefts
After a short lull during the COVID-19 pandemic when metal prices eased and a few states tightened scrap-metal rules, catalytic converter thefts have increased again, according to Great American Insurance Group.
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Part of the reason is simple supply and demand — precious metal prices like platinum and palladium have remained high enough to keep converters valuable on the black market, and stolen parts are still relatively easy to move through loosely regulated scrap channels.
Now, following the recent thefts in Maryland, the Sykesville Police Department is telling drivers to start with simple steps.
For starters, if you’ve got a garage, use it. If not, try to park in places that are well-lit and have a lot of foot or vehicle traffic, and consider motion lights around your driveway so there are fewer dark corners at night.
Police also note that, in many cases, the same offenders will hit multiple vehicles in a single night, especially in residential areas where cars are lined up close together and easy to move between.
Beyond that, metal shields or cages can make it harder to get to the converter in the first place, which is often enough to make a thief move on. These aftermarket devices can be installed to make theft slower and noisier, but they aren’t possible on all models, according to Autoweek. Some drivers also crank up their alarm sensitivity so vibration from cutting tools is more likely to trigger it. Others go through VIN-etching programs, where the converter is permanently marked so it’s harder to resell later.
Although none of these measures are a guaranteed protection against crime, most thieves aren’t sticking around for a challenge. If your car looks like it will take too long, make too much noise, or draw too much attention, they may just move on to the next one.
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Laura Grande is a freelance contributor with nearly 15 years of industry experience. Throughout her career she's written about and edited a range of topics, from personal finance and politics to health and pop culture.
