Catalytic Converters Swiped From Cars In Livingston Monday: Here's Why

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Catalytic converters have been in high demand by thieves for several years now, and Livingston hasn't been spared.

Livingston police responded at 8 p.m. Monday to a South Orange Avenue apartment complex on a report of a catalytic converter theft from a vehicle, they said.

Upon officers' arrival, they discovered that the devices had been swiped from two vehicles some time over the weekend.

The converters were cut out of a 2003 and a 2006 Honda Accord, police say.

Why Are Catalytic Converters So Popular?

Experts say that the price of the metals in the converters has been rising, including platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Recycling facilities will pay for the converters.

Thieves can cut them out of the bottom of cars in a matter of minutes, particularly larger vehicles that are easy to crawl under, even including school buses, experts say.

In May, four men were charged by the Justice Department in a scheme to steal the car part from vehicles in New Jersey, bringing them back to New York across the George Washington Bridge. Officials said the men had stolen 15 catalytic converters this year.

What Should You Do?

Experts say that etching your car's vehicle identification number into the converter will make it easier to trace, if stolen.

See more area crime news here: 3 Cars Stolen In Millburn, 2 Recovered