Catalytic converter thefts continue to surge across Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. — Catalytic converter thefts have quadrupled since 2019, according to new data from BeenVerified, a public data company.

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The new data reveals catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed by 6,354.35% in Florida in 2019 versus 2022.

Florida ranks No. 37 for catalytic converter thefts per 100,000 registered automobiles.

The device is very appealing to robbers because they are made of expensive precious metals -- rhodium, platinum and palladium. Platinum can go for more than $1,000 per ounce, and the average catalytic converter can cost up to $1,400.

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They are easily removed, and the parts can be quickly resold for thousands of dollars.

Catalytic converters are required in Florida and most states to pass emission testing.

In April, the Florida Legislature passed a bill making it a third-degree felony for a person to knowingly possess, purchase, sell or install a stolen catalytic converter.

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The study estimates that the theft of catalytic converters quadrupled across the U.S.

In 2021, there was a 353% increase from all reported thefts of catalytic converters. In 2020, a previous record year for these thefts, and is again up another 20% this year when comparing the first four months of the year.

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Video: How much thieves can make from stealing your car's catalytic converter Here's how much thieves can make from stealing your car's catalytic converter. (Shannon Butler, WFTV.com)