Uptick In Catalytic Converter Thefts Reported In Downers Grove

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — There has been a surge in catalytic converter thefts in Downers Grove, according to reports from the Downers Grove Police Department.

Six catalytic converters were cut from cars in the village in from early to mid-April.

On April 7, thieves stole catalytic converters from two cars that were parked at a home in the 7300 block of Grand Avenue. An owner told police that around 8:30 a.m., he got into his Toyota Highlander and heard a loud sound, then realized the catalytic converter had been stolen.

A second victim from the same address called police around 11:30 a.m. to report the catalytic converter had been removed from her Hyundai Santa Fe.

Two catalytic converters were stolen from cars at Main Guys Auto, 960 75th St. on April 8. Police say surveillance footage shows a Infiniti Q60 or Q5 sedan entering the business's parking lot around 5 a.m.

A man got out of the car and removed a catalytic converter from a 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette and a Ford 450 truck. Police say the car had no front license plate and parked in a way to obscure its back license plate from video surveillance.

On April 9, police were called to a business in the 400 block of 75th Street for a report of a stolen catalytic converter. The victim told police the part was cut from a 2010 Ford that was used as a work truck.

Police were called to the Enterprise Rent-A-Car at 7411 Lemont Rd. that same day for a report of a stolen catalytic converter. The victim told police he got his car from Enterprise on April 9 and later realized the catalytic converter had been stolen.