Catalytic Converter Thefts On The Rise In Albany

ALBANY, CA — An uptick in the theft of catalytic converters in Albany and throughout the Bay Area was recently reported by police.

"Thieves target catalytic converters due to the metals contained inside, such as platinum and copper," the Albany Police Department said.

The vehicle-emission components are able to by cut quickly from vehicles by the thieves, who typically use a type of reciprocating saw, police said.

"Having to go underneath the vehicle to commit the crime may be one reason trucks and very light cars such as Toyota Priuses, which can be quickly lifted with a car jack, are targeted," the department said, adding that most of the thefts occur during the night or early morning hours, with others logged during daytime hours in residential and retail parking areas.

Police offered the following tips to possibly prevent such thefts, which can lead to costly repairs for vehicle owners:

• Install a motion alarm on your vehicle
• Install motion lights over your driveway
• Park in your garage or in your driveway
• Park in well-lit and highly visible areas

Police said signs of such thefts underway include people seeming to suspiciously be looking under parked cars, cars stopped and running in a road during the night or the sound of power tools during the night. Anyone who suspects they are witnessing a catalytic-converter theft is asked to call 911.

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