Drive a Ford, Honda or Toyota? Good news: Catalytic converter thefts are down nationwide.

Catalytic converter thefts broke records last year but are declining nationwide and in nearly every state as the prices of precious metals tumble.

Thefts fell in the first half of this year, according to new data shared exclusively with USA TODAY. BeenVerified estimates there were 26,742 catalytic converter thefts in the U.S. between January and June. That's down 43% from the same period last year.

Washington, Oregon and Hawaii saw the largest decrease in thefts in the first six months of 2023. Only one state saw an increase: Thefts in New Jersey jumped 25%.

It’s not all good news for car owners. Catalytic converter thefts are still nearly 21 times higher than in 2019 before the catalytic converter crime spree began, according to the data company.

Read the full article at:  Catalytic converter theft is down nationwide. Here's why. (usatoday.com)