Catalytic Converter Thefts Prompt Warning From Brick Police

BRICK, NJ — Brick Township police are urging residents to be aware of what's happening around their homes in the wake of a string of thefts of catalytic converters.

The catalytic converter is an emissions control device in the exhaust system underneath a motor vehicle. Inside the catalytic converter are three precious metals that are very valuable, platinum, rhodium and palladium.

Criminals sell the catalytic converters for those metals, police said.

The thefts typically happen at night and thieves use a reciprocating saw to cut the pipes on either side of the converter, taking just a few minutes. If you hear sawing noises, it could be a thief.

Park your vehicle in a garage or in a well-lit area with motion sensor lights and security cameras, and consider having your repair shop etch your vehicle's vehicle identification number into the catalytic converter, police said.

Report any suspicious activity by calling police at 732-262-1100 or dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.