Catalytic Converter Swiped In Suffolk: Police

ISLANDIA, NY — Suffolk County Crime Stoppers is seeking the public's help in finding the people who police said stole a catalytic converter from a car in Islandia in February.

A catalytic converter was stolen off a 2015 Chevrolet van parked in the parking lot of Hendrickson Towing and Recovery, at 140 Hoffman Lane, around 4:40 a.m. Feb. 24, police said. The people who stole the converter are wanted for grand larceny.

The video, posted by Suffolk police, shows people stealing the catalytic converter.

Catalytic converters have been stolen across Long Island because of the precious metals in them, including rhodium, which is worth up at least $12,000 an ounce.

Millions of dollars and thousands of stolen catalytic converters were seized by Nassau police in mid-December as part of "Operation Cat Track," a year-long investigation, Nassau police said.

Police ask anyone with information to reach Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and leave an anonymous tip via phone call at 1-800-220-TIPS, using a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. A cash reward is offered for information that leads to an arrest.