Catalytic Converter Thefts Probed In Manchester

MANCHESTER, NJ — Manchester Township police are urging residents to be alert and keep an eye on their surveillance video as the police department investigates a surge in catalytic converter thefts.

The thieves have been targeting large gas engine vehicles, such as work trucks, recreational vehicles, box trucks and vans, as well as hybrid cars, whose catalytic converters also are considered highly valuable, police said.

"These catalytic converters are part of your vehicle's emission system and are valuable in the second-hand market," police said. "The damage from these thefts along with replacement costs can be in the thousands of dollars. Vehicles left unattended in lots, yards or clubhouses for any period of time are frequently targeted; however, residential areas have been recently targeted as well."

Catalytic converters are targeted for theft because they use precious metals — platinum, palladium, or rhodium — to convert harmful gases in the emissions to steam and carbon dioxide, according to Carfax.com. The three precious metals have risen significantly in price, with rhodium worth more than $12,900 per ounce as of Friday, according to Kitco.com, which tracks the prices of various precious metals. Palladium was at $2,100 per ounce, and platinum was $862 per ounce.

Manchester police said the thefts are more prevalent at night, and urged residents to make sure their surveillance cameras, including Ring, Nest, and others, are working properly, and to report any suspicious people and/or vehicles.

Police said the thieves typically use a powered saw to cut and remove the catalytic converter.

"The vibration and friction of the saw on the vehicle’s metal creates a significant noise which can be heard from far away. Should you hear this noise, especially during the overnight hours, please contact the police immediately," they said.

Anyone with information in the thefts is urged to contact the Manchester Township Police. Tips can be phoned in at 732-657-6111 or submitted anonymously on the police department's online tipline. Tips can be sent through private messages to the department's social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau offers these suggestions to prevent a thief from stealing the catalytic converter from your vehicle:

• Install a catalytic converter anti-theft device. These are available from various manufacturers and can provide a level of security from theft.
• Park fleet trucks in an enclosed area that is secured, well-lighted, locked and alarmed.
• Park personal vehicles in a garage if possible. If not possible and the vehicle must be parked in a driveway, consider installing motion sensor security lights. While lights may not provide complete security, it may make some thieves think twice, and they may opt to leave the area, and leave your car untouched. Whether in the garage or outside in the driveway, set the alarm on your vehicle if equipped.
• Attend a local catalytic converter etching event. If none are currently scheduled in your area, contact a muffler shop that can etch your vehicle’s VIN on the converter, and spray it with a highly visible high-heat paint. Doing so enables the NICB and law enforcement to track the converters which could lead to the arrest of catalytic converter thieves.