Nutley Sees Several Catalytic Converter Thefts On Same Day: Police

NUTLEY, NJ — A series of crimes and incidents involving catalytic converters were recently reported in Nutley, authorities said Friday.

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.

According to the Nutley Police Department, the following incidents involving the expensive car parts were reported in the township on July 26:

Margaret Avenue - A resident contacted police to report “suspicious” people wearing black bandanas in their driveway. They were described as being from 5 feet 7 inches to 6 feet 1 inch, and appeared to be carrying items in their arms. After checking underneath their vehicle, the resident found that the catalytic converter had been cut from the exhaust pipe.

Van Winkle Avenue - Officers responded to the area after getting a report about a suspicious incident. The homeowner reported finding a floor jack under their vehicle that morning. The jack was removed from the vehicle and taken to police headquarters for evidentiary purposes. It is believed that while investigating another incident in the area, officers interrupted the theft of the victim’s catalytic converter.

Newman Avenue - A resident reported the theft of their catalytic converter to police headquarters. They noticed a very loud sound when they started their vehicle that morning, and saw the converter was missing from under their vehicle. The estimated cost to repair the car is between $1,000 and $1,500.

Harrison Street - A business owner contacted police to report a theft. They stated that the catalytic converter on their bus was taken during the overnight hours. The Detective Bureau arrived on scene after being alerted to the report. The area was checked for any surveillance. An investigation continues.

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