One Arrest In Investigation Of Brookfield Catalytic Converter Thefts

BROOKFIELD, CT — Police have tightened the net in their investigation of catalytic converter thefts dating back to January.

Last week, Brookfield police detectives simultaneously executed four search and seizure warrants and one arrest warrant in Bridgeport, Waterbury, and Woodbury on Wednesday. The subject of the arrest warrant was taken into police custody without incident. His car, a black 2016 Honda Accord, was also seized and searched.

Police investigating the catalytic converter thefts say they seized "items of evidentiary value," including firearms, large capacity magazines, suspected narcotics, scales, and cash counting machines as a result of the raids.

According to a report, the Brookfield detectives said they noticed a "significant increase" in daytime catalytic converter thefts, along with a crime pattern that matched that of other thefts in the region.

Catalytic converters, found in a vehicle's exhaust system, contain platinum, palladium and rhodium. The worth of these metals on the scrap market has risen sharply in the past few years, and the current street value of the stolen components is approximately $5,000. Hybrids, SUVs, and trucks have more valuable or easily removable catalytic converters.

The Brookfield detectives were assisted by members of the BPD canine unit and patrol division, as well as the Danbury Police Detective Bureau and Special Investigations Division, Waterbury Police Department, Bridgeport Police Department, DEA Taskforce, and other agencies.

Police say they expect additional charges to be filed as they continue their investigation.