Catalytic converters are popular targets for thieves who hope to score some cash by melting down and selling the platinum, palladium and rhodium inside. While the price of metals fluctuates at the time of publication platinum was worth around $916 per ounce, palladium was worth $997 per ounce and rhodium was valued at $4,650 per ounce. While many current models of catalytic converters only contain around 6 grams (or less) of all three of these metals combined, thieves can still turn them into a quick payday. Catalytic converters sit between a car's engine and muffler, and it should be immediately obvious to a driver upon starting their vehicle if theirs has been pilfered. The signs of a stolen converter include loud noise, smellier or darker exhaust than is normal and sluggish acceleration. In order to prevent catalytic converter theft, CARFAX recommends drivers:

• Park in well-lit areas.
• Park in their garage instead of in their driveway or on the street, if possible.
• Remain aware of the area around where their vehicle is parked.
• Install a catalytic converter anti-theft device.
• Consider installing motion-activated security lights if they must park in their driveway.
• Have a muffler shop etch their vehicle's VIN on the converter and spray it with highly visible, high-heat paint.

In the slideshow above, we'll look at the ten U.S. cities with the highest rates of catalytic converter theft claims, according to data from CAT Converter Express.

Related:

• Catalytic converter thefts starting to decline in U.S.
• These states are seeing the most auto thefts with U.S. on pace to set record
• Thieves covet these vehicles' catalytic converters the most