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"GREENSBORO, NC (July 20, 2015) – Since June 12, the Greensboro Police Department has received ten reports of catalytic converters being stolen off vehicles. Three of the incidents occurred in the area near the convergence of Freeman Mill Rd. and Business 85 South. In another incident, catalytic converters were removed from eight vehicles for sale in a used auto sales business on Summit Ave. Most recently, two businesses on N. Raleigh St. had converters taken from vehicles.
A catalytic converter is a part of the vehicles exhaust system that helps reduce pollution. It is sought by thieves because it is relatively easy to remove, has no identifying markings, and the precious metals inside of them can earn money at metal recyclers.
Vehicle owners may not realize their converter has been stolen until they start their vehicle and hear a loud banging sound from the exhaust system. Operating a vehicle without a properly working catalytic converter system can lead to additional damage and costly repairs. Vehicles with higher ground clearance, such as SUVs and trucks, seem especially vulnerable to these types of thefts.
Police warn residents to take the following precautions to reduce their chances of being victimized:
1. Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a secure location such as an enclosed building or a well-lighted and/or fenced in parking lot.
2. If you must park your vehicle in the driveway, motion detector lights or continuous lights illuminating your driveway may be a deterrent.
3. If you own an automobile-related business, consider increased security measures such as fencing, exterior cameras, and/or lighting if vehicles are parked on the premises overnight.
4. Report to police suspicious people walking around parking lots or near businesses after hours.
5. Purchase catalytic converts only from legitimate dealers, which will reduce the market for stolen parts.
Police also ask residents, metal recyclers, scrap metal companies, and used vehicle parts businesses to report to police any suspicious sales or attempted sales of catalytic converters from unauthorized parts representatives.
The city experienced a similar spree in the summer of 2012.Three people were arrested in connection with those thefts.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000 or text the tip to 274637 using the keyword badboyz. All calls to Crime Stoppers are completely anonymous, and may result in a reward up to $2,000."
- A Press Release
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