Caln police warn of rise in catalytic converter thefts
CALN >> Police are warning motorists that there has been a significant spike in the theft of catalytic converter from vehicles in Caln Township and the surrounding area.
Catalytic converters are made of precious metals like platinum. With the continued increase in precious metals costs, exacerbated by supply chain and financial conditions worldwide, police said they anticipate the problem will worsen. SUV’s that sit higher off the ground are more susceptible. Thieves slide under vehicles and saw right through the pipes with a battery-powered sawzall, removing the catalytic converter in less than five minutes. Sometimes in as little as one minute. Once the converter is removed, the car makes a very loud noise when running, and victims may not realize that the converter was stolen until they take their vehicle
to a mechanic shop to assess the problem.
Caln Township Police are
urging people to report if one is stolen to track patterns with the goal for police
to identify who is responsible. They also urge residents to report suspicious persons around their homes, businesses and parking lots. Even though the crimes are also being committed in broad daylight, during nighttime hours, whenever possible, park your vehicles in welllit areas and garages. The locations where Caln police have experienced catalytic converter thefts range from home driveways, public parking lots, and car lots. Vehicle alarm systems that are sensitive to vibrations can help, in addition to protective cages that can be installed around the converter — though those can also be removed.
Experts say the platinum, palladium, rhodium, and gold that make up catalytic converters are what’s driving up the thieves’ desire to target this specific car part, a part of a car’s exhaust system that turns toxic gases produced by vehicle exhausts into harmless ones like steam. Vehicle owners are often left with a repair bill that can cost around $2,000.
An arrest was made recently in connection with catalytic converter thefts. Travis Darmon, 30, and Joseph Damron, 32, both of Maryland, were charged in connection with the theft of catalytic converters in Chester County.
Police are asking the public’s assistance by reporting suspicious activity by calling 911.