More Catalytic Converters Stolen In Bloomfield, Police Say

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Catalytic converter thefts continue in Bloomfield, police reported Thursday.

Thefts of the expensive car parts have been rising in Bloomfield and other U.S. towns and cities. Read More: Catalytic Converter Theft Wave Continues In Bloomfield, Police Say

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 the latest incidents took place, Bloomfield police said:

July 7 – A resident responded to Bloomfield Police Headquarters to report a theft of a catalytic converter. The theft occurred on the 100-block of Washington Street. The vehicle was parked overnight and when the resident returned the next morning, she noticed it was making a strange noise. She then realized the catalytic converter was cut from the vehicle. This incident is under investigation.

July 9 – While patrolling the area of East Passaic Avenue, officers observed a man lying underneath a parked vehicle, cutting off the catalytic converter. As the officers approached, the suspect entered the passenger seat of a white Audi and fled the scene. The owner of the vehicle was located and confirmed that the catalytic converter was missing from the vehicle. This incident is under investigation.

July 9 – Officers responded to Gregory Terrace on report of a catalytic converter theft. A resident observed a man cut the catalytic converter from his vehicle. The suspect was operating a white Audi and fled the area when he was confronted by the resident. This incident is under investigation.

July 9 – Officers responded to the 100-block of Jerome Place on report of a catalytic converter theft. A resident parked his vehicle on the street overnight and when he returned to it in the morning, he noticed that the catalytic converter was stolen. This incident is under investigation.

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