Police Investigating Rash of Catalytic Converter Thefts

Police Investigating Rash of Catalytic Converter Thefts

Aurora Police are investigating a rash of catalytic converter thefts from numerous automobiles all parked in the same general geographical area and occurring in a short time frame.

Between the overnight hours of May 31 and June 2, nine thefts took place and an additional theft was attempted. Five of the vehicles were parked in the 1600 block of North Marywood Avenue, two in the 1200 block of Marywood Court; and one vehicle each in the 1700 block of North Marywood; 1100 block of Tollview Avenue and the 1000 block of North Farnsworth Avenue.

Aurora Police Department LogoTotal losses have been set at about $4,500. The converters are targeted by thieves because of their value due to some of the metals contained in the devices.

All of the thefts have apparently occurred in the overnight hours with several of the vehicles parked in apartment complex parking lots. The targeted vehicles were all 1999 to 2004 model years and included two Chevrolet Cavaliers, along with a Venture and a Malibu; two Pontiac Grand Ams, two Sunfires, an Oldsmobile Silhouette and a Honda Odyssey.

The only suspect information police have is that of two men who were interrupted trying to saw a catalytic converter off of a vehicle in an apartment complex parking lot at around 11:50 last night in the 1000 block of North Farnsworth.

Two men told police they saw the suspects drive up in a gray Dodge Charger and park next to a Chevrolet Venture. One of the men got out of the Charger and knelt down by the Chevy. When the witnesses heard what sounded like a saw, they went to investigate which apparently scared the suspects as the man reentered the Charger and the pair took off. The vehicle was last seen southbound on Tollview to westbound Sheffer Road. When checked, the targeted vehicle had a fresh cut on the piping near the catalytic converter. Although the device was still attached, there was obvious damage.

The suspects were both black males, about 5 feet, 10 inches and 150 pounds. One of the suspects was wearing a gray shirt and the other had a red T-shirt and black ski-type hat.

Anyone with information is asked to call Aurora Police Investigators at 630-256-5500 or Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at (630) 892-1000. Callers to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and qualify for a cash reward of up to $5000 for information that leads to any arrests. Tips can also be submitted through the Aurora Police Department’s free app available through iTunes, the Android Market, or Amazon App Store. Simply search for “My Police Department”, find the Aurora Police, and download.

SOURCE: city of Aurora

 

Protect Your Business From Catalytic Converter Thieves

cataytic converterSince 1975, all vehicles produced in the United States must have a catalytic converter as part of the exhaust system. The catalytic converter is an emissions-control device that contains precious metals that act as catalysts. When hot exhaust enters the converter, a chemical reaction occurs that renders toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, into less harmful emissions.With the price of precious metals skyrocketing, thieves are helping themselves to catalytic converters that contain enough platinum, palladium or rhodium to make it worth the risk to cut it from the underbelly of your vehicle. You might become aware that your catalytic converter has been stolen when your vehicle starts with a gravelly roar.

The cost of catalytic converter theft

Stolen catalytic converters are sold to scrap yards for around $100 to $150, but the cost to your business could be much bigger. There’s the hassle of a vehicle that can’t be safely driven, as well as the expense of having it towed to a local repair shop and getting the part replaced.

Nationwide’s comprehensive car insurance for businesses and individuals can help cover these repairs.

What thieves look for

Catalytic converter thefts typically happen to vehicles that are parked for prolonged periods in large lots, such as shopping centers, mass transit commuter lots or company parking lots.

Vehicles that sit higher from the ground, such as trucks, pick-ups and SUVs, are particularly vulnerable to catalytic converter theft because thieves can slide underneath without having to jack up the vehicle to gain access to the converter. With just a few cuts of a battery-powered saw, the catalytic converter can be stolen in less than a minute.

Preventing catalytic converter theft

To combat catalytic converter thefts, a number of states have passed laws tightening the restrictions on metal scrap dealers. In many cases, dealers are required to verify the seller’s identity with a photo ID and maintain complete records of sellers for 5 years.

To prevent catalytic converter theft, use common sense and follow these tips:

  • Always park in well-lighted areas
  • At shopping centers and other similar parking lots, park close to the entrance of the building or near the access road where there’s a lot of traffic
  • If you own or work at a business or factory, park within a fenced area that’s busy during the day and secured at night
  • Engrave your license plate number on the converter to make it traceable
  • Purchase a vehicle security system and make sure it’s set to trigger with just the slightest motion
  • Visit a local muffler shop and have the converter secured to the vehicle’s frame with a couple of pieces of hardened steel welded to the frame
  • Check out the different types of catalytic converter theft deterrent systems at your local auto parts store or online

SOURCE: Nationwide.com