Catalytic Converters Being Stolen From South Brunswick Cars

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ-- South Brunswick has recently seen an uptick in catalytic converter thefts, police said. Since Oct. 1, four catalytic converters have been stolen from cars.

All of the cars were parked at townhouses or apartment complexes, South Brunswick Police Captain Jim Ryan told Patch.

Catalytic converters are emissions-control devices required on all cars that have platinum parts in them. Often times, they are stolen for the precious metals within the part, not the part itself. They can earn a thief between $100 and $150 when sold to a scrapyard.

Because the part is easily reached from the underside of the car, cars higher off the ground with more wiggle room underneath, such as SUVs and trucks, are particularly vulnerable.

If possible, residents should try and park their cars in garages and well-lit areas.

Image via Ernesto Andrade, flickr.