Catalytic converter thefts up: APD looking for 2 suspects in latest case

APD searching for suspects in catalytic converter thefts

The Austin Police Department is asking the public for help identifying two suspects in connection to two catalytic converter thefts in January.

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Police Department is asking the public for help identifying two suspects in connection to two catalytic converter thefts in January.

The backstory:

James Barbee is the owner of Barbee Auto, Muffler and Catalytic Converter. 

"It’s an unfortunate situation," said James Barbee. "Some people come in just devastated. I mean, they got robbed, you know, thousands of dollars."

Two vehicles were robbed in that parking lot on Monday, Jan. 19. 

According to the APD incident report, the first theft was at 8:30 a.m. in the 6000 block of Ed Bluestein Boulevard. Then, a second theft was reported in the same place that afternoon.

VIDEO: Austin PD investigating catalytic converter thefts

Police are asking the public for help identifying two suspects in connection to two thefts that happened on Jan. 19, 2026. (Video courtesy Austin Police Department)

"It mostly happened around the COVID pandemic, but it has risen, I would say, within the last month or two," said James Barbee. "Definitely, this year we've seen a lot more people coming in with stolen catalytic converters."

Barbee said the precious metals in catalytic converters have recently increased in value, which may be why these crimes are occurring more frequently.

"The converters that are targeted are from certain manufacturers that actually put more precious metals in their converters," said James Barbee. "They could be as much as $46,000."

"Most people don't notice until it's already been stolen," said James Barbee. "They go to their car, start it up. As soon as they crank it up, it sounds like a monster truck. It's just making all kinds of noise."

These thefts are attractive to criminals because of the low risk and high reward.

The suspects, and the suspect's vehicle, are described as follows:

Suspect #1

• Black male
• Long hair
• Last seen wearing a light-colored hoodie sweater

Suspect #2

• Black female
• Last seen wearing a dark hair net and a dark-colored hoodie sweater

The suspect vehicle is described as an SUV that is light in color.

Why you should care:

The APD Auto Theft Unit says it is aware of a recent uptick in catalytic converter thefts. 

Officials say that certain vehicles seem to be targeted for the thefts. Per data obtained in recent catalytic converter thefts, the following are the most targeted vehicles:

• Toyota
• Mitsubishi
• Honda

Of the targeted vehicles, the Toyota Tundra and Toyota Tacoma are the forerunners.

Officials say that thefts are not currently widespread, but APD wishes to inform the public of the trend.

What you can do:

APD has some safety tips so that you can avoid becoming a victim of this crime:

1. Park in Well-Lit Areas: Whenever possible, park in well-lit, populated areas. Thieves are less likely to target vehicles in locations with high visibility and foot traffic.
2. Use Anti-Theft Devices: Consider investing in a vehicle alarm, etching your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto your vehicle's catalytic converter, and installing hardened steel catalytic converter shields/cages.
3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings when parking or returning to your vehicle and report any suspicious activity.

If you are the victim of a catalytic converter theft, have further information, video or leads for investigation, please report the incident to police. 

The APD Auto Theft Unit can be contacted by email at ATIP@austintexas.gov.