Catalytic Converter Crime Wave Hits South Side

Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise in the Morgan Park (22nd) and Calumet (5th) police districts, with several of the devices removed and stolen from vehicles since late January.

The majority of the vehicles targeted in these thefts were small to mid-size SUVs.

After being removed from the vehicles, the converters are usually taken to junk yards and could be worth up to several hundred dollars, Chicago Police warned in a community alert.

Catalytic converter thefts have been reported at the locations listed below:

• 1800 Block of W. 87th St - Jan. 24

Three minutes, two cuts and one saw are all it takes for a thief to steal your catalytic converter, according to AOL Autos. Thefts of the tube-like pipes that reduce pollution from a vehicle’s exhaust system are on the rise.

Catalytic converters are prized for their precious metals, such as gold, copper, palladium, platinum and rhodium. The parts have a street value of $100 to $200.

Unfortunately, repairs for the victim can cost between $300 to $2,000, depending on the vehicle and the skill of the crook, who could slice through fuel lines and other parts as they remove the converter.