Catalytic Converter Theft On The Rise In Bradenton: Police

BRADENTON, FL — Catalytic converter theft is on the rise in Bradenton, police warned.

“Bad guys crawl under vehicles and cut off catalytic converters, often costing victims thousands of dollars to replace,” Bradenton police shared on Facebook.

Among the vehicles most commonly targeted Chevy Silverado trucks, Ford F-Series trucks, Ford Econoline vans, Honda Accord, Honda Element, Jeep Patriot and Mitsubishi Outlander, the agency said.

Police ask drivers to report suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1 or the Bradenton Police Department non-emergency line at 941-932-9300.

To reduce theft, the agency also suggests the following safety tips:

• Park in a garage or well-lit area.
• Be vigilant of your property, and the property of your neighbors. Be on the lookout for suspicious people under or around vehicles, or those with numerous catalytic converters, with cut marks, in their possession.
• Mark the vehicle VIN on the converter using a UV pen.