6 tips to prevent catalytic converter theft on your vehicle Houston police suggest these tips as these types of thefts have increased by 300% compared with last year Tags: HOUSTON – Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise nationwide, especially in Houston. Investigators with Houston Police Department Auto Theft Division said catalytic converter thefts have increased by 300%, compared with last year. Thieves are after catalytic converters because they contain precious metals that can be sold at a higher price. With the right knowledge, thieves can actually remove the converters from vehicles in less than two minutes, investigators said. Six models of vehicles are often targeted, including Toyota Tundra, Toyota Prius and Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-250, Honda Element and Honda CR-V. Some vehicles may also have up to four converters.