Catalytic converters are important environmental components found in every car sold today. They contain very rare, valuable metals such as platinum and rhodium. These metals consistently fetch very high prices on the recycling market because they are not only rare, but also heavily in demand—especially from the auto industry.

This means that stripping and scrapping an old car you legally own can be more lucrative than selling it as a complete vehicle. It also means that the auto industry can continue to acquire these rare metals at more affordable rates, and therefore continue to turn a profit without drastically raising car prices.

However, it also means that thousands of people in Dallas, Fort Worth, and the rest of the country (and the world) have their catalytic converters stolen almost every single day. Here are some tips for protecting yourself from this type of theft, and for selling a catalytic converter you legally own.