Catalytic converters stolen from school buses

More than 30 catalytic converters were stolen from school buses at two lots in East Hartford over the weekend, according to the East Hartford Police Department.

The converters were stolen from First Student at 68 Alna Lane and Autumn Transportation at 52 Oakland Ave. sometime between Friday and Monday, police said.

First Student said 12 catalytic converters were stolen from its lot on Alna Lane and its bus operations were not impacted by the thefts. Its maintenance team is working to repair the affected buses, according to First Student spokesperson Jay Brock.

No arrests have been made in the investigation into the thefts. Detectives are reviewing surveillance video and other evidence, police said.

Autumn Transportation provides school bus transportation to Wethersfield and Hartford Public Schools and CREC magnet schools, according to its website.

Catalytic converter thefts have sharply risen over recent years since they can be stolen quickly and sold for high prices on the illicit market for the precious metals they contain, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

“Catalytic converter theft takes minutes to complete and is easy to conceal,” said Trooper Sarah Salerno of the Connecticut State Police.

A catalytic converter is a piece of a car’s exhaust system.

It helps reduce toxic gases and pollutants from a vehicle’s exhaust, according to AAA.

There are ways for drivers to protect against catalytic converter thefts. There are anti-theft devices available for purchase that drivers can install to help secure the part to a car.

The NICB also recommends parking personal vehicles in a garage or installing motion sensor lights if a driver must park in a driveway.

Salerno recommended that drivers inscribe their car’s VIN number or state and license plate on the converter with heat-resistant paint. She also recommended drivers check with their insurance company to ensure a theft would be covered under their policy.