8 Catalytic Converters Cut From Cars In Wheaton: Cops

WHEATON, IL — The ongoing surge in catalytic converter thefts in Chicago's western suburbs is continuing to affect Wheaton residents, with eight catalytic converters being cut from cars in just a matter of days.

Thieves often steal catalytic converters —part of the car's exhaust system— because these parts typically 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.

Below is a roundup of the most recent wave of catalytic converter thefts reported in Wheaton.

700 block of Crescent Street

Police say thieves cut a catalytic converter from a Honda CRV while it was parked at a car at the above address. The theft took place just after 1 a.m. on Dec. 7.

12oo block of Briarbrook Drive

A catalytic converter was stolen from a Mitsubishi Outlander while it was in a parking lot. The incident took place sometime between 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 9 a.m. on Dec. 7.

1200 block of Briarbrook Drive

On Dec. 10, just before 5 a.m., a catalytic converter was cut from a Honda Odyssey that was parked in a lot at the above address.

1600 block of Briarcliffe Boulevard

Sometime between 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 11 a.m. on Dec. 7, a catalytic converter was removed from a Mitsubishi Outlander in a parking lot.

500 block of S. Blanchard Street

Police say someone stole a catalytic converter from a Toyota Prius that was parked in a driveway between Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m.

900 block of Crescent Avenue

A catalytic converter was cut from a Honda CRV that was in a parking lot. The theft happened between 4 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 8:50 a.m. on Dec. 7.

1900 block of Lancaster Lane

Police say thieves removed a catalytic converter that was in a parking lot sometime between 6 p.m. Dec. 6 and 8 a.m. Dec. 7.

800 block of College Avenue

A catalytic converter was removed from a Mitsubishi Outlander that was parked in a lot at the above address. The theft took place between Dec. 6 and Dec. 11.

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 contact the Wheaton Police Department at 630-260-2161.