Port Chester Police Warn About Rash Of Catalytic Converter Thefts

PORT CHESTER, NY — A string of catalytic converter thefts, car break-ins and reports of suspicious characters casing vehicles has Port Chester police urging vigilance.

Police said thieves have targeted parked cars during overnight hours. It seems Port Chester is not immune to a recent spike in catalytic converter thefts in the Hudson Valley. Both Yonkers and Harrison police officials issued similar warnings in September, along with the Mamaroneck PBA just last month.

"There were reports of suspicious people checking vehicles as well, as a few car windows broken and items removed," the Port Chester Police Department said in a statement released this week. "We remind residents to be cognizant of what is left in your car overnight and what is visible. Please remove any keys or fobs as well. Unfortunately, the thefts have occurred in surrounding towns as well."

Officials urged neighbors to be on the lookout for signs of thieves at work, including:

• A vehicle double-parked in the street.
• A car jacked up with someone underneath it during overnight or early morning hours.
• The sound of metal being cut.

The catalytic converter is a critical component of your car’s exhaust system. The device can cost up to $2000 to replace, according to information provided by Allstate Insurance. Thieves target the part because it contains expensive metals and has a street value of up to $200, but it can take less than 1 minute to remove from a targeted car.

In September, Harrison police investigated the death of a man who was found underneath a parked car.

Just after 6 a.m., on Sep. 21, officers were notified by a passerby about a car jack protruding from underneath a parked vehicle, with a man underneath the car. The Harrison Police Department and the West Harrison Fire Department removed the unresponsive man from under the car.

The victim was pronounced dead a short time later.

Investigators believe that the man was in the process of stealing a catalytic converter from the vehicle when the car jack he was using either slipped or malfunctioned, pinning him under the car.

SEE ALSO: Man Stealing Catalytic Converter Killed When Car Falls: Police

Port Chester police officials said that detectives are investigating the thefts and patrols have been increased overnight. In the meantime, officials are asking neighbors to report any suspicious cars or activity to police immediately.