Resident Tried To Stop Catalytic Converter Thieves: Greenwich Police

GREENWICH, CT — Police said a resident tried stopping catalytic converter thieves, but the resident was threatened with a knife and the thieves made off with the valuable auto parts.

On May 28 around 4:30 p.m., Lt. Martin O'Reilly said a resident on Henry Street in Byram noticed four people trying to steal their catalytic converter. The resident confronted them, and noticed other catalytic converters in the trunk of a BMW, O'Reilly said, noting that the car had a stolen license plate on it.

The resident tried taking the parts back, but was threatened with a knife, O'Reilly said, and the thieves fled the area.

Recently, Gov. Ned Lamont signed a bill into law that aims to deter catalytic converter thefts in the state.

"I thank the bipartisan members of the legislature for approving this bill and sending it to my desk so that I could sign it into law," Lamont said in a statement on May 17. "The easy ability to sell stolen parts is a major reason why motor vehicle theft and vandalism occurs, and this law will help serve as a deterrent."

Beginning July 1, when the law goes into effect, it will be illegal for motor vehicle recyclers to receive a vehicle's catalytic converter unless it is physically attached to a motor vehicle.

In addition, recyclers must affix or write a stock number on the part, and create a written record of the transaction, including the name, address, telephone number, license number and automobile VIN number of the customer, according to a news release from Lamont's office.

For scrap metal processors, junk dealers, and junk yard owners and operators, they cannot accept a catalytic converter that is not physically attached to a motor vehicle, unless they:

• Record the place and date of the transaction, a description of the catalytic converter, and the amount paid
• Record a description of the seller and the seller's name, address, and driver's license number
• Affix or write a stock number on the catalytic converter
• Record the license plate number of the motor vehicle that was used to transport the catalytic converter
• Obtain from the seller a statement that they own the catalytic converter
• Take a photograph or video of the seller and their driver's license.

Catalytic converters contain valuable metals such as rhodium, palladium and platinum.

Read more on the recently signed catalytic converter bill.