Spike in Theft of Car Parts - KOAM TV 7

Spike in Theft of Car Parts

A spike of thefts of a certain car part has police asking you to be vigilant.

At least 19 cases of catalytic converters being stolen off vehicles have been reported in the last two months. Police feel criminals became educated on their value during tornado cleanup efforts. A catalytic converter can bring as much as $150 dollars.

Thieves often target commercial lots such as rental car companies, dealerships, and auto repair shops, places where cars are going to be sitting overnight. Police say these thefts happen over night and on weekends, Officers say don't hesitate to report suspicious behavior.

"The consumers replacement cost is going to be anywhere from two hundred to five hundred dollars to replace that, then it becomes a significant problem" says Detective Darren McIntosh.