If you’re wondering whether catalytic converter theft is still a thing in 2025—well, a dealership in North Carolina just got a brutal reminder. Four vehicles hit. One busted fence. Zero suspects, so far.

Catalytic converter thieves hit North Carolina dealership

On May 19, employees at Dunn Deal Auto in Benson, North Carolina, discovered that catalytic converters had been stolen from four vehicles on their lot. The thieves cut through a fence to gain access, targeting a Hyundai SUV, a Ford F-150, and two Honda sedans. Police at the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the incident.

This theft underscores that catalytic converter theft remains a significant issue in 2025. Despite national trends indicating a decline in such thefts, certain areas continue to be hotspots due to factors like insufficient enforcement and high demand for the precious metals found in catalytic converters.

National trends show decline, but hotspots remain

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter thefts surged to over 64,000 incidents nationwide in 2022. However, data indicates a downward trend in 2023 and 2024, attributed to increased law enforcement efforts and legislative measures. For instance, State Farm reported a 74% drop in catalytic converter theft claims in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.  

Despite these improvements, the recent incident at Dunn Deal Auto illustrates that certain regions, particularly those with less stringent regulations, continue to face challenges. The high value of metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium in catalytic converters makes them attractive targets for thieves. 

A comedic twist in Detroit

In a contrasting scenario last fall, a group of thieves in Detroit attempted to steal catalytic converters from Giovanni’s Auto Sales but bungled the operation. Surveillance footage captured the suspects crashing their truck into a pole, struggling to cut through a gate, and eventually fleeing after dropping the trio’s sole firearm. The dealership owner, Kola “Sonny” Gjonaj, found the incident amusing and even offered the “three stooges” employment. “They could have said, ‘I need a job’ – and we would have paid them well.” You can see the security camera footage embedded below:

While national statistics suggest a decline in catalytic converter thefts, incidents like the one in North Carolina highlight that the problem persists in certain areas. Until comprehensive measures are implemented and enforced uniformly across all regions, businesses and vehicle owners must remain vigilant against this form of theft.