Portugal reports 19% surge in catalytic converter thefts in early 2026

The Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) announced a roughly 19% increase in automotive component thefts during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, averaging almost four incidents per day nationwide. The police recorded 685 crimes related to vehicle parts, up from 577 a year earlier, of which 178 were specific catalytic‑converter thefts.

Setúbal led with 135 cases, followed by Porto (113), Lisbon (93) and Aveiro (59). Notable spikes were seen in Portalegre (+200%), Viseu (+150%) and Leiria (+71%), reflecting the mobility of organized criminal networks. thieves use battery‑powered portable grinders to extract the catalyst in under a minute, then funnel the precious platinum‑group metals (rhodium, platinum, palladium) into illegal recycling channels. Six suspects were detained in the first six months, fewer than the eight arrested in 2025. GNR urged vehicle owners to increase vigilance, especially in isolated or long‑term parking areas.