String Of Catalytic Converter Thefts Reported In Stafford

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — A catalytic converter was stolen from a Ford pickup truck Monday on Route 17 in Stafford County, another case in a string of catalytic converter thefts in the county since December. The theft occurred in the 200 Block of Warrenton Road (Route 17) and was reported to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office office just after 2 p.m.

Last month, the Stafford County Sheriff's Office put out an alert to residents about catalytic converter thefts. Seven catalytic converters were reported stolen between Dec. 1 and Jan. 17. The sheriff's office said the thefts occur at any time of the day but that most occur between the hours of 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.

Thieves can usually cut and remove the catalytic converter in only a few minutes. The are often stolen for their precious metals and can be sold to scrap yards for cash. Catalytic converters, which turn harmful chemicals in vehicle exhausts into harmless gases such as steam, from Toyota Priuses are particularly popular because they are made of high-quality metals.

Once a catalytic converter is removed and the car is started, it will have a noticeably louder sound.

Last Wednesday, a resident reported the catalytic converter on her Kia parked in the 200 block of Prince Edward Street in Fredericksburg had been stolen, according to the Fredericksburg Police Department. The theft was reported at 2:40 p.m. on Jan. 29.

The Stafford sheriff's office said it is investigating the theft of the catalytic converter on Route 17. Anyone who notices suspicious activity should contact the sheriff's office at 540-658-4400.