Armed Thieves Swipe 14 Catalytic Converters

CHICAGO — Armed thieves pulled off 14 catalytic converter thefts in the Mount Greenwood area of the 22nd Chicago Police District. The thefts occurred between Oct. 28 and Dec. 7.

The thieves pull up to vehicles and cut off the catalytic converters during the light night or early morning hours. A home surveillance camera showed a white 4-door vehicle, with three to four males, two of whom were armed with handguns, police said.

Thefts occurred on the following dates and locations:

• Oct. 28, 2021 10400 block of S. Whipple St.
• Oct. 28, 2021 10700 block of S. Trumbull Ave.
• Oct. 28, 2021 3800 block of W. 108th St.
• Oct. 28, 2021 3800 block of W. 107th Pl.
• Oct. 28, 2021 10500 block of S. Sacramento Ave.
• Oct. 29, 2021 10700 block of S. Whipple St.
• Oct. 31, 2021 11200 block of S. Troy St.
• Nov. 10, 2021 10500 block of S. Artesian Ave.
• Nov. 10, 2021 10500 block of S. Artesian Ave.
• Nov. 16, 2021 10400 block of S. Campbell Ave.
• Nov. 19, 2021 10700 block of S. Pulaski Ave.
• Nov. 19, 2021 10700 block of S. Pulaski Ave.
• Dec. 1, 2021 10600 block of S. Sawyer Ave.
• Dec. 7, 2021 112000 block of S. Sacramento Ave.

Thieves steal catalytic converters because they contain precious metals, such as platinum and rhodium. A catalytic converter can be sold on the black market for a few hundred dollars, but often costs up to $1,000 for victims to replace. A would-be thief can steal a catalytic converter from the underbelly of a car within 5-to-10 minutes.

If you have any information, contact Bureau of Detectives – Area Two 312-747-8273