TIL the string of catalytic converter thefts in LA and across the country are due to the costly and rare element content in those devices: platinum, palladium and rhodium. 04-07 Priuses apparently have especially dense cat and local recyclers have no trouble reclaiming the metal content to sell on bulk. So watch out for those local hipsters most easily spotted giving zone system seminars.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2021/02/09/climate/catalytic-converter-theft.amp.html
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2021/02/09/climate/catalytic-converter-theft.amp.html