Rash of Catalytic Converter Thefts Reported In Lambertville

LAMBERTVILLE, NEW JERSEY — The City of Lambertville Police Department reported the following incidents, including a rash of catalytic converter thefts in the city.

Tuesday, Oct. 24

• A resident from Titus Road reported someone dressed as an Amazon delivery person removed a Fedex package from the porch and walked away. The package was dropped after the homeowner chased after the suspect who fled in a silver car.
• A loose dog was struck by a vehicle in the area of Bridge Street and North Union Street. The driver of the vehicle left the scene and the dog succumbed to its injuries.

Thursday, Oct. 26

• At approximately 12:18 p.m., someone entered a business on Bridge Street and fraudulently purchased $3,412 of merchandise using a stolen credit card.
• At approximately 1:11 p.m., a business on South Union Street reported having a gaming system stolen.

Wednesday, Nov. 1

• At approximately 5:53 a.m., a resident on South Franklin Street reported seeing three individuals wearing ski masks. Further investigation revealed the suspects removed the catalytic converter from the complainant’s vehicle, a Honda. The suspects fled the scene in a black four-door sedan. Patrolman Bereheiko is investigating.t approximately 9:53am, a resident on
• A George Street resident reported their catalytic converter stolen from their vehicle, a Volkswagon Jetta. After the resident started their vehicle, they realized it sounded unusually loud. Three suspects are believed to be involved and were operating a black four-door sedan.
• At approximately 10:38 a.m., a resident on South Franklin Street reported their catalytic converter stolen from their vehicle, a Volkswagon Jetta. After the vehicle was started, they realized it sounded unusually loud and discovered the catalytic converter was stolen.

Sunday, Nov. 5

• At approximately 4:52 p.m., a business on Bridge Street reported jewelry stolen. Two individuals are suspected in the shoplifting incident.

Tips For Safeguarding Your Catalytic Converter

• Park your vehicle inside your garage or in a secure side yard. If you have to park outside, leave on exterior lights or install motion detector lights.
• Check into installing an additional sensor to converters that set off the vehicle’s alarm when the thieves attempt to steal it.
• Ask your repair shop to tack weld the nut and bolt: it helps prevent most thieves from easily unbolting the assembly.
• Paint and/or engrave your converter with your VIN #. Marked converters make them less valuable to thieves.
• Residents are advised to call 911 if they see someone underneath a parked vehicle, especially late at night or other times when there are little to no other people around. If anyone has information concerning these thefts, contact the Lambertville Police Department at 609-397-3132