Catalytic Converters Stolen From Local Car Shop

Classic Cars on the 4900 block of Highway 29 has had the catalytic converters stolen from 10 vehicles on its lot. 

On the morning of July 9, an employee reported to Lilburn police that he noticed the thefts when he couldn't move the vehicle blocking the business' entrance. He checked the other vehicles on the lot and concluded 10 of them had the converters taken out. 

Since then, Lilburn police has had an extra patrol for the night watch, but nothing more of the suspect(s) is known at the time. 

According to the police report, each converter is worth $300, with the exception of one converter from a Ford ES350 worth $700. In total, the stolen parts add up to $3,400. 

The complainant believes the crime occurred between 5:30 p.m. the day before and 9:30 a.m. the nexy day when he arrived at the business.  

Lilburn police said a rash of these car parts had been stolen a few years ago.

For Gwinnett police, spokesman Cpl. Jake Smith said that the county hasn't had any similar incidents recently. He said there was one incident in Norcross on June 12, but it was only a single vehicle and the wheels were also taken. 

"We get the occasional theft of catalytic converters, but we haven't had anyone hit a car lot, or business fleet, etc., in quite a while," said Smith.