Definitely one reason is this. I was surprised to hear about the catalytic converters recently, the amount of palladium in them is worth the risk. SUVs and trucks targeted because of higher clearance, Hondas and certain manufacturers have more in them than others. Battery-operated reciprocating saw (Sawzall), easy and fast enough to do it while you're in the grocery store.
My next door neighbor's catalytic converter was in the process of being stolen when the neighbor on their other side came home a few weeks ago. Luckily that scared off the would-be thieves. Needless to say, he parks his truck inside their gate now.
