Catalytic converter theft is having a moment in Berkeley

Just one week into 2026, Berkeley has already had at least nine catalytic converter thefts, according to police and community reports.

The spike comes after a decrease last year that saw the lowest number since 2019.

On Wednesday, Berkeley police said at least some of the incidents appear potentially linked — with investigations ongoing.

The uptick may have been the result of wet weather — with wind and rain masking the sound of cutting metal — and the holidays, with many residents away, police said.

Berkeley tends to get hid hard by cat converter thieves because of its high concentration of Toyota Priuses and the fact that it has fewer garages to park them in, police said.

Resale markets could also be a factor.

"Historically, it's always been tied to the price of metal," Berkeley Police spokesman Officer Byron White said.

Published Berkeley police data for catalytic converter thefts goes back to 2017, when the city saw just 15 the entire year. The number was also low in 2018, with 35 reports.

The following year, 2019, nearly 200 catalytic converter thefts were reported in the city. And the next two years saw closer to 600 reports annually.

The peak of the trend came in 2022, with about 850 catalytic converters stolen in Berkeley throughout the year.

But 2023 saw the numbers plunge, due to new state laws that made it harder to buy unmarked catalytic converters and falling metal prices.

There were 460 cat converter thefts in Berkeley that year, with about 300 in 2024 and about 250 in 2025, according to the latest BPD data — an average of five a week.

So far this year, catalytic converter thefts have taken place around the city, in the hills, South Berkeley and in the west.

At least one of the incidents involved a resident being threatened at gunpoint as the thieves made off with their loot.

The Scanner will continue to keep an eye on the trend. Stay tuned for updates.