Catalytic converter thefts on the rise

Springfield Police Chief Douglas Johnston says between eight and 10 catalytic converters have been stolen from parked vehicles during the past few months.
"I guess there's materials that can be sold for salvage," Johnston said.

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http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009901030368 Catalytic converter thefts on the rise Rutland Herald | January 03, 2009 BY JOSH O'GORMAN Herald Staff SPRINGFIELD Police are investigating the theft of auto parts in the Connecticut River Valley. Springfield Police Chief Douglas Johnston said between eight and 10 catalytic converters have been stolen from parked vehicles during the past few months. Johnston said the thefts were not confined to Springfield. Residents in other towns have also been struck by the thefts, he said. “I guess there’s materials that can be sold for salvage,” Johnston said. A catalytic converter limits the toxicity of automobile emissions. While the parts are typically made of stainless steel, they also contain a small amount of the precious metal platinum, which closed at $911 an ounce Monday on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The value of platinum has dropped this year, from a high of $2,254 an ounce earlier this year. Johnston said it does not appear vehicles have been targeted by where they are located, nor by the vehicles’ make or model. Johnston did not have an estimate for how much money the thefts have cost the auto owners, but replacement parts retail between $63 for a late-model Toyota to $263 for a Dodge Stratus. It appears the thief or thieves are well-equipped to steal the catalytic converters, which are located beneath the body of the vehicle, Johnston said. “My understanding is they have a tool that will cut the part out pretty quickly,” he said. Catalytic converter thefts in the state are not confined to the Connecticut River Valley, said State Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Tara Thomas. “It’s actually a statewide problem,” Thomas said. “It goes in spurts, where it’s quiet for a while and then there will be a bunch all at once.” Like Johnston, Thomas said it does not appear vehicles are targeted by either location or make and model. “The parts are worth a lot and I don’t know if this has to do with the drug rings taking the parts and selling them to get money to buy drugs or not,” Thomas said. There have been numerous reports this year surrounding theft of catalytic converters. Earlier this month, two catalytic converters were stolen from parked vehicles on Depot Street in Proctorsville. In August, several of the parts were stolen from R. Brown & Sins Inc. in Pittsford. Between March and April, nine catalytic converters were stolen from White River Toyota in White River Junction. Chief Johnston asked anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity to call Springfield Police at 885-2112. Contact Josh O’Gorman at josh.ogorman@rutlandherald.com.