Man Arrested For Alleged Catalytic Converter Theft In Abington

ABINGTON, PA — Police in Abington Township say they have arrested a man who allegedly stole a catalytic converter from a hospital employee's car.

Timothy Clarke, 46, of Levittown faces charges of felony theft and criminal mischief. Police say he has been released from jail on unsecured bond.

Abington Police say they went to the Zipley Parking Garage at the Abington/Jefferson Hospital on August 24 after someone reported a catalytic converter stolen. Police say the victim was working in the hospital while a suspect stole the car part.

Police identified Clarke and issued a warrant for his arrest. Detectives from Abington, Bensalem, and Bristol arrested Clarke on August 26 and recovered a saw and car jack.

Abington Police say they have received dozens of reports of catalytic converter theft since the beginning of 2021, and add these kinds of crimes are increasing in the region and across the U.S.

"The common characteristic of these crimes entails suspects pulling up next to the targeted vehicle, quickly jacking it up, and forcefully removing the catalytic converter using a reciprocating saw," police said in a news release. "The act can be accomplished in minutes, and the victim does not discover the theft until they observe their vehicle operating inefficiently. The thieves target these parts because they are easily sold at scrap yards for the precious metals contained within them. Although the thief usually is paid a couple hundred dollars for the part, it costs the victim a couple thousand dollars to make the repairs."