Catalytic Converters Taken From Several Vernon School Buses

VERNON, CT — Catalytic converters were taken from several school buses in the First Student lot early Thursday and the thefts caused slight delays at Vernon schools, police said.

Police said the incident was similar to thefts that took place in March. The bus depot is located on Whitney T. Ferguson Road next to the Exit 66 on Ramp to Interstate 84 westbound.

Police said the thefts occurred sometime during the overnight hours between Wednesday and Thursday. The catalytic converters were removed from buses that were parked in the secured lot overnight.

In a letter sent to parents, Vernon Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary said the overnight incident "created a problem for normal bus operations" Thursday morning. Students were not considered tardy for late-arriving buses.

First Student addressed the problem quickly, officials said.

Schools where operating on a normal class schedule.

Vernon police said the incident is being investigated. There was no official tally on how many buses were affected as of midday Thursday.

Police said they will be increasing patrols throughout the town in the upcoming weeks.

Police said they encouraging the public to "stay vigilant" and call them if they see "something suspicious." Callers can remain anonymous, police said.

Catalytic converter thefts have become more common over the past year and have been occurring state wide, police said.

Police are asking any witnesses or anyone with information about the theft of catalytic converters from the First Student school buses to call them at 860-872-9126.

The town has a contract with First Student to provide school bus service.