Catalytic Converter Thefts Strike Barnegat, Police Say

BARNEGAT, NJ — After a rash of catalytic converter thefts have struck the community, the Barnegat Police Department is offering tips for residents to prevent their vehicles from being impacted.

"Recently residents of this community were affected by catalytic converter thefts from their motor vehicles," police said. "Thefts of these items have increased over the years due to the increase in price of the metals contained inside. The converters are cut from the motor vehicles and are typically sold to recycling centers who will pay $50 to $250 per catalytic converter."

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, in 2018 there were 1,298 catalytic converter thefts for which a claim was filed. In 2019, it was 3,389 thefts with a claim. In 2020, catalytic converter theft claims jumped to 14,433, a 325 percent increase in a single year.

"Although these figures do not represent all catalytic converter thefts, it does provide a look at the trends of catalytic converter thefts," police said.

Repairs for vehicles with stolen catalytic converters are sometimes not covered by insurance and can cost thousands of dollars, police said.

Police offered the following tips for residents to protect their vehicles:

• Install a catalytic converter anti-theft device. These are available from various manufacturers and can provide a level of security from theft.
• Park fleet trucks in an enclosed area that is secured, well lit, locked and alarmed.
• Park personal vehicles, if possible, in a garage. If not possible and the vehicle must be parked in a driveway, consider installing motion sensor security lights. While lights may not provide complete security, it may make some thieves think twice and they may opt to leave the area, and your car, untouched.
• Whether in the garage or outside in the driveway, do not leave your key or fob in the vehicle and set the alarm on your vehicle if equipped. Contact a muffler shop that can etch your vehicle's VIN on the converter and spray it with a highly visible high-heat paint. Doing so enables law enforcement to track the converters which could lead to the arrest of catalytic converter thieves.

Additionally, smash and grab thefts have been reported in other jurisdictions, police said.

Some of these incidents take place during the early morning hours between 4:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. at locations such gyms/fitness centers when the owner of the vehicle is inside the facility, police said, while others occur at New Jersey county parks.

"Items taken are usually handbags and wallets left in the vehicle that are visible from the outside," police said. "Please be sure to remove all valuables from your vehicle."