Catalytic Converter Thefts Hit Piscataway This Week, Police Announce

PISCATAWAY, NJ — On Tuesday morning, Piscataway Township Police warned that the town has been hit by a rash of catalytic converter thefts recently.

"The thefts have been occurring between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.," Piscataway Police wrote on their official Facebook account. "The suspects have been utilizing high-end cars, Mercedes and BMW, which are stolen."

"Several suspects arrive in the vehicle, one acts as a look out, while the other utilizes a jack and a portable Sawzall-type cutting tool. The theft usually only takes minutes. The targeted vehicles are often Hondas and Toyotas."

Park your car overnight in very well-lit areas to avoid being a victim of this crime.

A catalytic converter is found in a car's undercarriage and it is designed to reduce the pollutants and toxic gases the engine produces. Catalytic converters are made out of precious metals, including platinum, and right now they can be re-sold at a very high mark-up on the black market. Palladium is selling at an all-time high right now due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Piscataway Police ask that residents immediately report anything they deem suspicious, as catalytic converter thefts can happen in literally minutes. To report any suspicious activity, call Piscataway Police main number (732) 562-1100 or the Tips line (732) 562-2360 if you wish to remain anonymous.

This same time last year: Rutgers Campus Reports Catalytic Converter Thefts (March 9, 2022)