Secaucus Hit By Rash Of Catalytic Converter Thefts Over Weekend

SECAUCUS, NJ — Over the weekend, the town of Secaucus was hit by a rash of catalytic converter thefts; and police say this crime — plus outright car theft — is skyrocketing across New Jersey at the moment.

Secaucus Police reported five incidents of catalytic converter thefts this past weekend, with the converters stolen from multiple cars on 9th Street, 2nd Street, Paterson Plank Road and Hudson Avenue, said Police Chief Dennis Miller.

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, another precious metal used in converters, is also selling at an all-time high right now due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The thefts always happen in the middle of the night, usually between 2 and 4 a.m. and the thieves simply slide under a car, cut off the converter and then drive away. The whole job can be accomplished in less than two minutes, said the police chief. However, it has also happened in broad daylight.

Especially at risk are pick-up trucks, commercial vehicles, vans and older cars that are high off the ground — so thieves can easily slide under the car, slice off the converter and drive off.

However, they've been known to quickly jack up smaller cars as well, and steal the converter. Want great Secaucus news? Sign up for Patch emails: https://patch.com/subscribe

Unlike with other crime-prevention tips, there is little car owners can do other than immediately report any strange noises to police. Also, don't park cars in dark, isolated areas or on darkened streets. Try to always park on well-lit streets, under a street lamp or on a street that has a lot of late-night traffic.

It can be very expensive to replace a catalytic converter. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter thefts have seen a significant increase across the country since March of 2020, when the pandemic first started.

"This has been going on throughout the state at a very high rate," said Chief Miller. "We are working with other agencies to share intelligence. I can't say if we've made any arrests yet, but we are increasing our policing to address this."

"I ask that residents please, please call Secaucus Police if you hear or see anything unusual in your driveway, on your Ring camera or out on your street. Call us right away as soon as you hear a noise. Don't wait until the next day. We need the public to work with us here."

In addition, two cars were broken into over the weekend in Secaucus (both had been left unlocked).

And finally, an Audi was stolen from where it was parked in a driveway on 4th Street, said Miller. The Audi was stolen sometime between 2 and 3 a.m. on Saturday night. The car had been locked, contrary to police reports, the owner said.

Hudson County has witnessed a 110 percent increase in stolen cars since January, reported Secaucus Police.

"Always lock your cars. Don't leave key fobs in your cars. And please call us the second you hear or see anything unusual in your neighborhood," said Chief Miller.

Police can no longer continue some car chases

"We've seen an increase in cars stolen from town and we've recovered cars stolen from elsewhere in this town," he continued. "Secaucus Police will continue to be aggressive. Unfortunately, the new directive issued by the New Jersey Attorney General prohibits police from making a pursuit of a stolen vehicle. Criminals now have the ability to just drive away."

What he's referring to is this updated policy from the state Attorney General, which went into effect in late 2021 and limits police car chases to only the most serious of crimes. This is part of an overhaul led by Gov. Phil Murphy to reduce police use of force. Law enforcement is no longer permitted to continue a car chase because of the suspect's speed or evasive driving.

Under the new policy, a police officer may only pursue a car when he or she thinks a suspect has committed one of the following crimes:

• Manslaughter
• Vehicular Homicide
• Aggravated Assault
• Disarming a Law Enforcement Officer
• Kidnapping
• Luring/Enticing a Child
• Human Trafficking
• Sexual Assault (rape)
• Robbery
• Arson
• Burglary

Or when an officer reasonably believes that the violator poses an imminent threat to the safety of the public or other officers.

"The violator’s subsequent actions, including speeding or evasive driving during the pursuit itself, although often supporting the criminal charge of eluding, shall not constitute an authorization to initiate or continue a pursuit," reads the new policy.

High-end vehicle theft has skyrocketed in New Jersey, according to the Attorney General. From 2018 through the end of 2021, nearly 900 vehicles have been stolen in Morris County alone. Car thefts are also reported in Essex County and in Monmouth County.

Law enforcement officials say when cars are recovered, they are riddled with bullets, burned or contain other evidence of being used in violent crimes.

Get great local news. Sign up to get Patch emails: https://patch.com/subscribe Contact this Patch reporter: Carly.baldwin@patch.com