More Catalytic Converter Thefts Reported In Darien: Police

DARIEN, CT — Catalytic converter thieves continue to hit Darien.

Last week, police responded to two homes on reports of the valuable auto parts being stripped from vehicles.

On June 7, according to Sgt. Dan Skoumbros of the Darien Police Department, a resident on Noroton Avenue reported to police that on June 5 around 12:55 a.m., he heard a noise in his driveway which caused him to look out the window.

The resident told police he saw a man walking away from his vehicle, and he later discovered that his catalytic converter had been cut.

Around 9 a.m. on June 9, officers went to a home on Fitch Avenue on a similar report. A resident told police he awoke to sounds in his driveway at 4 a.m. that morning, and saw a man walking away from his vehicle to an awaiting vehicle that was backed into the driveway.

Police said when the resident went to start his vehicle later in the morning, he recognized immediately the catalytic converter was stolen.

Skoumbros said the trend of thieves targeting cars parked at residences is new, and such thefts were previously confined to public parking lots.

Car thefts can be prevented largely by locking the doors and taking the keys, but catalytic converter thefts are difficult to defend against, Skoumbros noted. He urged residents to park their cars in a garage if they have one.

Skoumbros also said residents should call police right away if they hear or see anything suspicious.

Last month, Gov. Ned Lamont signed a bill into law that aims to deter catalytic converter thefts, which have exploded nationally in recent years. The law goes into effect in Connecticut July 1.

Read more on the legislation