2 More Catalytic Converters Swiped In Nutley, Police Say

NUTLEY, NJ — One of the most “popular thefts” in New Jersey has struck Nutley again, police say.

According to the Nutley Police Department, two catalytic converter thefts were reported in the township on Monday. The thefts took place on High Street and Fernwood Terrace.

“This theft has become popular throughout the state, due to its high scrap value,” police said. “[Thieves] will generally lift the vehicle with a hydraulic jack cut the exhaust pipe before and after the converter then flee in a matter of minutes.”

“If you see anything suspicious, please contact police immediately,” Nutley authorities said.

• See related article: Nutley Sees Several Catalytic Converter Thefts On Same Day

Nutley isn’t the only North Jersey town seeing a rise in catalytic converter thefts. Similar incidents have recently been reported in Bloomfield, Montclair, Newark and other Essex County municipalities.

Thanks to higher prices for platinum, rhodium, palladium and other metals found in the components, catalytic converter thefts in the U.S. rose from about 100 a month in 2018 to more than 1,200 a month in 2020, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Nutley authorities offered local residents two reminders on Monday:

• LOCK YOUR CAR - “Nutley police continue to warn residents to lock their vehicles. Residents have reported numerous thefts from their vehicles over the past few weeks, most vehicles left unlocked.”
• DON’T LEAVE CARS RUNNNING – “Additionally, police warn that several vehicles that have been left idling near convenience stores have been stolen. Please turn off engine lock doors when leaving vehicle unattended.”

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