Catalytic Converter Theft Wave Continues In Bloomfield, Police Say

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Catalytic converters keep disappearing in Bloomfield.

On Thursday, the Bloomfield Police Department released a list of the latest thefts of the expensive car parts – an ongoing problem in the township and others across the nation.

• See related article: 5 More Catalytic Converter Thefts Reported In Bloomfield
• See related article: Catalytic Converter Thief Targets Toyota Prius In Bloomfield

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.

Here’s where and when the latest thefts took place, according to Bloomfield police.

May 3 – Officers responded to 1455 Broad Street on report of a catalytic converter theft. The owner parked his company truck at the above location between 12:40 and 12:58 p.m. while he was picking up medical supplies. When he came out, he noticed that the catalytic converter was cut from the vehicle.

May 3 – Officers responded to the parking lot of 8 Franklin Street (Stop & Shop) on report of a catalytic converter theft. The owner parked her vehicle in the parking lot on May 2 at approximately 8 p.m. When she returned to the vehicle the following afternoon, she noticed that the catalytic converter was removed from the vehicle.

May 4 – A victim responded to Bloomfield Police Headquarters to report a catalytic converter theft. He parked his vehicle in the parking lot of 300 Broadacres Drive on May 3 at 10:30 a.m. When he returned at 1 p.m., he noticed that the catalytic converter was cut from the vehicle.

May 4 – Officers responded to Monroe Place on report of a catalytic converter theft. Officers met with a witness who observed three suspects wearing ski masks in the middle of the street near a parked Acura that was raised by a car jack. The witness observed one suspect get under the vehicle and cut the catalytic converter. The suspects then fled in a gray/champagne-colored Chevy SUV.

May 4 – Officers responded to Montgomery Street on report of a catalytic converter theft. A resident observed two males dressed in all black under a vehicle that was parked on the street. The suspects became aware of the witness’ presence and fled the area in a gray Chevy SUV. When officers checked the vehicle, they noticed wires hanging from underneath and the catalytic converter missing.

May 5 – Officers responded to the 200-block of Essex Avenue on report of a catalytic converter theft. A resident reported that two of his vehicles that were parked on Essex Avenue had their catalytic converters stolen. The resident heard a noise outside and when he looked, he saw a person get into a silver or white Ford Explorer occupied by three men and flee the area.

May 5 – Officers responded to the area of Curtis Street on report of a catalytic converter theft. A resident parked his vehicle on May 4 at approximately 6 p.m. and then noticed at 4 a.m. that the catalytic converter was stolen. A review of the video surveillance shows a silver SUV pull up at 1:36 a.m., put the vehicle up on a jack and cut the catalytic converter from the vehicle.

May 5 – Officers responded to North Spring Street on report of a catalytic converter theft. The resident parked her vehicle in front of 96 North Spring Street at approximately 5 p.m. on May 4. On May 5 at approximately 6:50 a.m., her vehicle was making a loud noise when she started her car. She checked and realized that her catalytic converter was taken.

May 7 – Officers responded to Floyd Avenue on report of a catalytic converter theft. A resident parked her vehicle at 6:30 p.m. and when she returned the next morning, there was a loud noise coming from the vehicle. She then realized that her catalytic converter was cut taken from the vehicle.

Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com