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Police warn of catalytic converter thefts

State and local police are investigating a rash of catalytic converter thefts and are advising all vehicle owners in the area to beware.

“We are investigating this and keeping a close eye on it,” Trooper Christopher Fox said. “It’s become a big problem, and unfortunately this is something that we seem to have to deal with every couple years.”

Sitting on the undercarriage of a vehicle, catalytic converters are a part of a vehicle’s exhaust system and are designed to reduce pollutants or toxic gases emitting from a vehicle and into the environment.

But it’s what is inside a converter that has thieves interested — precious metals such as platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold, which can be sold to recycling centers for cash.

With recent supply chain issues, the value of those metals has increased significantly, creating an even bigger appeal for individuals to hack converters off other people’s vehicles and sell them, according to JD Power.

Nearly two dozen catalytic converters have been stolen from various properties over the past month in Bedford County.

State police reported Wednesday that an additional four catalytic converters were stolen about Dec. 13 and 14 from properties in Bedford and Williamsburg, and another converter was reported stolen Nov. 23 from a residence in Juniata Township.

According to state police, the unknown actor(s) are cutting the catalytic converters off of vehicles at random times, but primarily at night.

Most targeted vehicles are SUVs and trucks as the thieves are able to get underneath larger vehicles quickly.

A variety of tools can be used to quickly remove the converter, according to Kelly Blue Book.

Thefts of catalytic converters have become a national trend in recent years. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, an all-time high 14,433 converters were reported stolen nationwide in 2020, which was also nearly a 400% increase from the 3,389 stolen in 2019.

Driving without a catalytic converter will not damage a vehicle’s engine, but it can put a long-term strain on the vehicle.

“The exhaust passes through the converter, which is made up of platinum and other precious metals to produce safer exhaust emissions,” Shawn Lattieri, senior tech of Reliable Tire and Auto in Hollidaysburg, said in an email. “Vehicles that require a catalytic converter can operate without it; however, it will usually produce a check engine light and poor fuel mileage.”

If a vehicle’s catalytic converter is removed, the vehicle is likely to make a loud roaring sound.

That’s not always the case, however, and state police said that many of the recent thefts aren’t being reported until a vehicle fails its inspection.

“A lot of people aren’t even finding out that it was stolen until they go to get their car inspected,” Fox said.

Despite the ongoing investigation, local residents are left footing the bill for what can be a costly replacement project.

State police valued the recent stolen catalytic converters at $250, but replacing a catalytic converter can be a pricey process — not the least of which is the price of a new converter, often over $1,000 depending on the make and model of the vehicle.

Installation of a new converter can be as quick as 30 minutes to an hour, but the process can take even longer depending on the type of vehicle and how accessible the converter is.

“The process to replace a catalytic converter varies based upon the vehicle,” Lattieri said. “Some are very labor intensive due to many parts that must be removed beforehand to access the converter.”

Although it sounds like an easy way to make a quick buck, stealing catalytic converters can be a dangerous procedure.

A North Carolina man was crushed to death Dec. 8 while attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said that the unidentified male was in the process of cutting the converter off a Toyota Prius when the vehicle fell off the automotive jack and onto the would-be thief.

“A catalytic converter and the small amount of scrap value it holds is not worth the risk of losing your life,” the Union County Sheriff’s Office stated.

Police have reported no suspects in the local cases at this time and said the public should remain diligent in protecting their vehicles.

If a vehicle cannot be stored in a garage, Fox said owners should park vehicles in areas with proper lighting and consider using video surveillance, such as mounted house cameras, doorbell cameras or even trail cameras.

“Any type of surveillance you can keep around your vehicle is beneficial,” Fox said.

Anyone with information regarding recent catalytic converter thefts in Bedford County is asked to contact state police at 814-623-6133.

Mirror Staff Writer Calem Illig is at 814-946-7535.

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