The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department says catalytic converter thefts are on the rise in Charlotte and the region.
CMPD says in 2019 there were only 221 converter thefts. That number rose to 871 in 2020.
So far this year there have been 438 converter thefts.
Police say thieves are targeting Toyota Priuses, Ford Econoline vans, and Chevy Express trucks. Maj. Cecil Brisbon says these vehicles are targeted because of what the converters are made of — metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium. More than a third of the thefts have been in Toyota Prius models.
"The price of precious metals has gone up," Brisbon told reporters Wednesday. "And I believe some of those vehicles either A, the converters are easy to access in those types of vehicles, or B, the type of metal is more readily available in those vehicles and that’s why they are targeted."
CMPD says the thefts happen quickly — and released a video showing a catalytic converter being stolen within three minutes. Vehicle owners are typically unaware there's an issue until they try to drive their car. It can cost hundreds, or even thousands of dollars to repair the damage caused from cutting off a catalytic converter.
CMPD is urging people to park in well-lit areas and garages when possible and to call 911 if they see suspicious activity.
