Catalytic Converters Swiped From 8 Cars In 1 Week In Wheaton

WHEATON, IL — Wheaton police are investigating eight catalytic converter thefts that took place within a week of each other, according to the Feb. 6 crime blotter from Wheaton Police Department.

These recent reports come amid an ongoing surge in catalytic converter thefts in Wheaton and surrounding suburbs.

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.

3 Catalytic Converters Stolen in 1st Block of Wheaton Center

• A catalytic converter was cut from a Honda Accord while the car was parked in a lot at the above address between Jan. 26 and Jan. 28.
• Someone stole a catalytic converter from a Toyota Prius that was in a parking lot between 7 p.m. on Jan. 27 and 7:45 p.m. on Jan. 28
• A driver reported that the catalytic converter had been cut from their Toyota Prius sometime between 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 26 and 6:50 a.m. on Jan. 27

2 Catalytic Converters Stolen in 1000 Block of South Lorraine Road

• Thieves cut a catalytic converter from a Mitsubishi Lancer that was parked in a lot. The incident took place sometime between Jan. 31 at 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Feb. 1
• A catalytic converter was cut from a Toyota Prius sometime between 3 p.m. on Jan. 27 and 7 a.m. on Jan. 28

Catalytic Converter Stolen at Wheaton-Warrenville South High School

Police say someone removed a catalytic converter from a Hyundai Tucson that was parked in the lot of Wheaton-Warrenville South High School, 1993 Tiger Trl. The theft took place sometime between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Feb. 2.

Catalytic Converter Stolen from Driveway in 1300 Block South Naperville Road

A catalytic converter was cut from a car that was parked in a driveway in the 1300 block of south Naperville Road sometime between 7 p.m. on Feb. 4 and 3 a.m. on Feb. 5.

Catalytic Converter Stolen in 1300 block of Main Street

The catalytic converter was stolen from a Mitsubishi Outlander that was parked in a lot on Main Street. The theft took place between 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 4 and 3 a.m. on Feb. 5.

Anyone with information about these catalytic converter thefts is urged to contact the Wheaton Police Department at 630-260-2161.