4 Catalytic Converters Cut From Cars In Wheaton In 1 Night

Wheaton IL

16 August, 2021

9:15 AM

Description

WHEATON, IL — Thieves cut catalytic converters from four cars in Wheaton in a matter of hours, according to a recent crime blotter. Since April, the city has seen at least 20 catalytic converter thefts, police, say. The most recent thefts took place between the evening hours of Aug. 4 and the morning hours of Aug. 5. Below is a roundup of the most recent catalytic converter thefts in Wheaton. 2000 Block of North Main Street Someone stole a catalytic converter from a Honda Pilot that was parked in a lot at the above address. The incident took place sometime between 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 4 and 8:15 a.m. on Aug. 5. 312 West Front Street, Carlson's Glass Police say a catalytic converter was cut from a car that was parked on the south side of Carlson's Glass. The theft took place between 4 p.m. on Aug. 4 and 8:15 a.m. on Aug. 5. 2000 Block of North Main Street Thieves stole a catalytic converter from a Honda CRV while it was parked in a lot on Main Street. Police say the part was stolen between 11 p.m. on Aug. 4 and 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 5. 1300 Block of South Lorraine Road The owner of a Kia Sportage told police the catalytic converter had been cut from their car sometime between 9 p.m. on Aug. 4 and 5 a.m. on Aug. 5. After a similar rash of catalytic converter thefts in late June, Wheaton Police Chief William Murphy told Patch residents should park their cars inside a garage, if possible. Residents without a garage should leave their outside lights on or park in a well-lit area if in a lot. Murphy advised residents to call 911 to report any suspicious cars, activity, or sounds, as catalytic converter thieves often use a power saw to remove the item. Residents are also encouraged to check their doorbell or surveillance cameras for activity during the night. Thieves often steal catalytic converters —part of the car's exhaust system— because these parts typically contain platinum, rhodium, or other precious metals that can turn a profit at scrapyards. Catalytic converter thieves are known to target vehicles late at night or early in the morning under the cover of darkness. If a catalytic converter is stolen, your car will make a loud roar when it runs, and you'll notice part of your exhaust system is missing when you look under your car. To help prevent catalytic converter theft, mechanics recommend parking in a well-lit spot or in a garage or installing a security device on the catalytic converter itself. You can also etch your car's VIN into your catalytic converter to make it easier to track down at scrapyards in the event that it is stolen. Readers who have more information are encouraged to call Wheaton police at 630-260-2161.