According to public records obtained from the Houston Police Department, at least 508 catalytic converter thefts had been reported in Houston as of May 5. The figure does not include reports filed during the past month, meaning the total is likely higher.
Police officials say the increase remains modest compared to the spike in thefts seen several years ago.
"We are nowhere near where we were three years ago," Sgt. Tracy Hicks with the Auto Theft Crime Task Force said to ABC13 during an interview on May 22. "Since October, late last fall, we have seen a slight increase."
Catalytic converter thefts surged nationwide in recent years due to the valuable metals contained in emissions-control devices. In Houston alone, more than 1,700 thefts were reported in 2020.
Since then, state and local leaders have enacted laws making catalytic converter theft a felony and requiring stricter proof of ownership for sales.
For Houston resident David Madison, the crime hit close to home.
Madison said thieves attempted to steal the catalytic converter from his truck several months ago while it was parked downtown. A protective bar installed on the vehicle prevented the theft, but the suspects still caused damage.
"They did not get it. All they did was cut the pipe," Madison said.
The attempted theft left him with damaged sensors and repair costs totaling several hundred dollars.
"I was scared to drive it home," Madison said. "I was like, 'What in the world happened to my truck?'"
Madison said his truck is essential to his daily life as a pastor and father of three.
"It's not an option. It's a necessity almost," he said. "Especially living as far as I do away from the two churches I pastor."
Mechanic Adrian Trujillo said trucks are often targeted because their higher ground clearance makes catalytic converters easier to access.
"They know where to sell it," Trujillo said. "The people, they steal it, go to places where they recycle metals. There's a black market on the side."
Trujillo said even failed theft attempts can leave owners facing costly repairs.
"They cut wires, they damage sensors," he said. "They can even damage the body trying to jack it up real quick."
While theft reports remain far below the levels seen during the peak of the crime wave, Madison hopes the recent increase does not continue.
"Houston is a great city. Great people," Madison said. "But there are a lot of people who are struggling right now."
Police continue to encourage vehicle owners to park in well-lit areas, to install anti-theft devices, and to report suspicious activity.