12 Catalytic Converters Stolen From Business In Downers Grove

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Catalytic converters were cut from 12 company vehicles at Hawk Ford Parts Warehouse, 5130 Walnut Ave., Downers Grove, according to the most recent crime blotter from the village's police department.

An employee told police someone had cut a hole in a locked chain link fence to gain access to the company's work vehicles. All 12 catalytic converters had been stolen from white Chevrolet 4500 box trucks, police say.

The thefts took place sometime between 1 a.m. on Jan. 8 and midnight on Jan. 10 and are the most recent incident in an ongoing surge in catalytic converter thefts throughout Downers Grove and surrounding communities.

Thieves often steal catalytic converters —part of the car's exhaust system— because these parts often contain platinum, rhodium, or other precious metals that can turn a profit at scrapyards. Catalytic converter thieves are known to target vehicles late at night or early in the morning under the cover of darkness.

If a catalytic converter is stolen, your car will make a loud roar when it runs, and you'll notice part of your exhaust system is missing when you look under your car.

To help prevent catalytic converter theft, mechanics recommend parking in a well-lit spot or in a garage or installing a security device on the catalytic converter itself. You can also etch your car's VIN into your catalytic converter to make it easier to track down at scrapyards in the event that it is stolen.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Downers Grove Police Department at 630-434-5600.