Catalytic Converter Theft Hits Wyckoff, Police Say

WYCKOFF, NJ — Catalytic converter thefts have been trending upward across the country, and in New Jersey, in recent months. Unfortunately, Wyckoff police report that the trend has hit the area.

On Sept. 21, the department reports that a converter was stolen from a truck parked outside an auto repair shop on Godwin Avenue. According to police, the owner of the business said that the suspects used a "battery powered saw to cut the catalytic converter from the truck."

It's likely the theft occurred between the days of Sept. 17 and Sept. 21, the department said.

The Wyckoff theft isn't unique, as stolen converters have been reported in counties across the state as thieves target cars, buses and trucks for the item.

In January, police in Nutley, New Jersey, warned residents that catalytic converter thefts were on the rise, as the part has "high scrap value." Patch has also reported on thefts in Scotch Plains, Gloucester and Westfield.

Issues with converter theft have become such a problem that it led to the creation of the North Hudson Catalytic Converter Task Force, which made their first arrest in late July, NJ.com reported at the time.

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