Increase In Catalytic Converter Thefts
January 26, 2011
The Mesa Police Department
wants to alert the public of a recent increase in catalytic
converter thefts over the past three months.
Between Friday, October 22, 2010 and Wednesday, January 12,
2011, the Mesa Police Department has investigated 27 cases
involving the theft of catalytic converters. The majority of
these incidents take place in parking lots, mostly at shopping
centers. The suspects are targeting pickup trucks and sport
utility vehicles, because it is easier to get under these
vehicles to remove the catalytic converter. At this time, we do
not have any suspect information and it is possible that there
are multiple suspects.
The catalytic converter is located along the vehicle's exhaust
system and is used to reduce vehicle emissions. It takes less
than two minutes for a thief to remove the converter from the
vehicle. It can cost more than $1,000 to replace a catalytic
converter. This is why we are asking the public to take extra
precautions to prevent future thefts. Below are several tips
that can help in preventing these thefts:
- Park in areas that are well-lit and easily seen.
- Park vehicles in garages whenever possible.
- Back additional vehicles up against garage doors.
- If possible, park so that someone cannot crawl under the
back of your vehicle.
- Consider having your catalytic converter etched with
your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Speak to your mechanic about installing a preventive
theft device (cage).
Anyone with information about these thefts is urged to contact
the Mesa Police Department at 480-644-2211 or Silent Witness at
480-WITNESS.