Authorities offering tips to avoid being a target of catalytic converter thieves
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Criminals are becoming more interested in the theft of catalytic converters.
“I started the vehicle and as soon as I heard and felt that vehicle shaking and making that noise that it was making, I knew immediately,” said one man who did not want to be identified.
He resides at the Vue at Baymeadows
The previous week, his SUV was the target, and he was able to catch on his security camera what he thought to be the theft. He did file a report with the authorities, but there has been no indication of any possible suspects as of yet.
“It is kind of a paranoia that I now have which is unfortunate,’ the man said.
He has lost a thousand dollars, and he is becoming less tolerant of those who want to gain financial advantage from the misfortune of others. People often steal catalytic converters for the valuable metals, such as platinum and palladium, that they contain.
“It’s caused me torment. It’s caused me financial difficulty. I have to scrape together that $1,000, and it’s not fun,” he added.
A man who allegedly confessed to stealing 13 converters from various locations throughout the east coast of Florida was arrested by authorities from Flagler County last month.
The police recommend the following in order to keep your car safe:
- Park in well-lit areas
- If you can, park inside a garage
- Install an anti-theft device on the catalytic converter
- Paint your converter – scrap yards may not take it if it’s been painted or marked on.
