Crime & Safety
Report: Thieves Targeting Car Catalytic Converters for Scrap Metal
It appears thieves are targeting Jeep model vehicles parked in Greenwich.
Catalytic converters, especially those on Jeep model vehicles, continue to be targeted by thieves in Greenwich, according to Greenwich Police.
The latest theft was reported on May 14 by the owner of a 2000 Jeep who parked the vehicle in the Island Beach commuter parking lot, according to Greenwich Police spokesman Lt. Kraig Gray.
Gray said investigators believe "This is a planned operation. You have to have the tools. This is a type of theft that have organized groups," He said the May 14 theft was the fourth in four months. The first was reported in February.
Gray said there also have been "numerous catalytic converter thefts reported in Stamford and throughout the New York area ... from commuter lots, U-Haul lots and car dealerships."
The thieves don't need the parts, rather they typically sell the converters for scrap metal because of the precious metals used inside the converter that's part of a vehicle's exhaust system, Gray said. Gray said the tell-tale sign a converter has been swiped from a vehicle is the loud noise made when the vehicle is started. That's similar to two separate thefts reported on Long Island in February where two separate vehicle fleets were targeted, according to CBS New York.
Nationwide Insurance has posted these theft-deterrent tips on their website:
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
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