Allstate Insurance recently released updated data on catalytic converter thefts, revealing that between 2019 and 2022, catalytic converter replacements among customers nationwide grew by 1,155%. States in the Pacific Northwest saw even higher numbers.

Oregon had the biggest increase of all 50 states, increasing by 7,200% during the 3 years. Washington came in a close second with an increase of 7,150%.

Gresham Police Department public information officer Jarom Sweazey said he remembers when catalytic converter thefts skyrocketed during the pandemic. He was consistently sending out press releases on thefts, he told KATU.

I know of a husband and a wife who were at separate jobs, separate locations in the Gresham area and both of their catalytic converters got stolen on the same day. It was happening a ton," Sweazey said.

Allstate spokesperson Heather Cator said several factors could have contributed to the soaring numbers, one being the transition to remote work.

“We took the pandemic pretty seriously as a state," Cator said. "We were all at home, our cars were stationary, sitting in the driveway. There were organized crime rings within Oregon and Washington that just capitalized on that."

While previous years saw a growing trend of catalytic converter thefts in Gresham, Sweazey said, the numbers are steadily declining. He said this could be for several reasons, including more proactive policing and more theft ring busts, such as the large bust in Beaverton last August following a months-long investigation where Beaverton Police seized more than stolen 3,000 catalytic converters.

Sweazey also pointed to more comprehensive legislation. Senate Bill 803 took effect in January 2022, aimed at curbing the growth in theft and making it illegal to buy catalytic converters from unauthorized sellers.

A recent benefit, Sweazey said, is the cross-jurisdictional partnership of the Auto Theft Task Force announced by Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt on May 1. He says the department is already seeing the impact this is having.

“Just in our data this year, it shows vehicle thefts in Gresham are down, and vehicle recovery of stolen vehicles is down. It’s trending downwards, it’s making a difference," Sweazey said.

Over in Portland, however, data from Portland Police shows a different story regarding auto theft. Over the last three years, the number of stolen vehicles steadily climbed, growing from 6,653 to 9,234 to 11,094.

Cator reminds people to be prepared to avoid becoming a target. This includes parking in well-lit areas, near building entrances. Also painting your catalytic converter a bright color and writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the part will deter thieves. Sweazey also recommended purchasing a steering wheel lock and remembering not to leave your vehicle running.