Men Accused In Darien Converter Thefts: Cops

DARIEN, IL — It's hard to catch people stealing catalytic converters from cars, which is usually done under the cover of darkness.

On Feb. 11, Darien police were called shortly after 1 a.m. to the 7400 block of Brookdale Drive because of a reported theft in progress.

When officers arrived, the suspects drove away, Deputy Police Chief Jason Norton said in an email. The vehicle they were in was discovered a few miles away, and officers were able to find three suspects in a nearby garage, Norton said.

The men were charged in connection with the thefts of catalytic converters.

They were identified as Michael Bates, 20; Cecil Edwards, 22; and Michael Wallace, 20, all of Chicago, police said.

Downers Grove and Woodridge police helped the local police.

Over the last couple of years, the metals in converters have become a lot more valuable, so thefts of the car parts have increased in the suburbs and elsewhere.