SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Catalytic converter thefts have become a common occurrence throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Catalytic converters are devices installed in a car’s exhaust system between the car’s engine and the muffler, which reduce the amount of harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere.
Catalysts are composed of three precious metals – platinum, palladium and rhodium – making them an attractive target for thieves.
According to Carfax, some car models are more likely to be targeted for catalytic converter theft than others. Information released by El Cerrito police identified the 10 vehicles most likely to be targeted for catalytic converter theft.
Top 10 vehicles targeted for catalytic converter theft:
- Toyota Prius
- Honda Accord
- Honda CR-V
- Toyota Tacoma
- Ford F-series truck
- Subaru Forester
- Toyota Camry
- Ford Econoline
- Ford Explorer
- Nissan NV
El Cerrito PD says they purchased catalytic converter etch kits to deter thieves. The department says these kits are available for free to El Cerrito residents.