8 Catalytic Converters Stolen In 1 Night

OAK LAWN, IL — Catalytic converter crooks cut catalytic converters from the underbellies of eight vehicles during the overnight hours of Oct. 27 and Oct. 28, Oak Lawn police said. Residents are asked to check their home surveillance cameras for images of suspicious activity at the time of the thefts.

The thefts predeominanty occurred on the southeast side of the village at the following locations:

• 4500 block of 102nd Place
• 10900 block Keating Avenue
• 10800 block of Kolmar Avenue
• 10500 block of Kolin Avenue
• 10300 block of Kedvale Avenue
• 10500 block Kostner Avenue
• 10900 block of Kolmar Avenue
• 11000 block of Kilbourn Avenue

The heists follow on the heels of five catalytic converter thefts that occurred the name night across the Oak Lawn-Chicago border in the Mount Greenwood neighhborhood. Residents’ home surveillance cameras captured up to five males riding in a white, 4-door vehicle, two of whom appeared to packing handguns.

Anyone with information about the thefts, please contact Oak Lawn police at 708-422-8292. Surveillance video can be forwarded to the OLPD tip line at 708-613-8477.

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.