Catalytic Converter Theft, Car Window Smashed: Vienna Crime Report

VIENNA, VA — Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise around the U.S., and one recent incident was reported in the Town of Vienna.

According to Vienna Police, a catalytic converter was stolen from an employee's vehicle at Westwood Country Club's lower parking lot between July 10 and noon on July 20.

A catalytic converter is a device attached to a vehicle's exhaust system to turn harmful pollutants into less harmful ones. Catalytic converters are usually made up of three precious metals: platinum, palladium and rhodium. The value of the precious metals has risen sharply, with the prices paid for stolen catalytic converters increased in line with the higher values.

The Fairfax County Police Department has seen a trend of thefts. From January to April this year, 333 catalytic converters were stolen in Fairfax County, compared with just 27 similar thefts over the same period in 2021. The police department has created a task force to investigate the theft of the converters and any organized regional rings behind the increase in thefts.

Other notable incidents in this week's Vienna crime report include a smashed car window and residents experiencing scams. Anyone with information about an incident can contact Vienna Police at 703-255-6366.

Fraud 22-007329
July 16 7:17 p.m.
A resident received a phone call from someone stating they were from his bank and that there
was no money in his account. To prevent the account from going into the negative he was
instructed to purchase gift cards and provide the caller with the numbers. After the resident
purchased the cards and provided the information to the caller, he realized that he had been
scammed.

Suspicious Event 22-007450
July 19 12:13 p.m.
A resident reported a scam, advising that over the past few days two people have come to her
home to pick up kittens that they had purchased online.

Grand Larceny 22-007457
105 Center Street, North
July 19 between 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
A citizen reported that she parked her vehicle in the parking lot. When she returned to the
vehicle, she found the rear passenger window was smashed and a new computer was stolen.