Chances are YOU have one of these…and thieves want it!

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Thieves are swiping catalytic converters off of local vehicles! Why? Because they contain precious metals and the thieves can get quick and easy money for catalytic converters from recycling centers and junkyards.

Since Oct 1, Boise Officers have taken over 40 reports of catalytic converters stolen from vehicles.

A catalytic converter is part of the exhaust system under your car that converts hazardous exhaust into less harmful gasses.  During the pandemic the prices of the metals in a converter have skyrocketed creating an incentive for criminals to commit thefts.  With the right tool your catalytic converter can be removed in less than two minutes.

Most of the crimes have happened in business parking lots overnight, but there have also been reports from apartment complexes.  A victim will typically know something is wrong when they start their vehicle and it sounds very loud, like the muffle is missing. 

You can do things, such as install anti-theft devices to make your converter more difficult to steal and mark or etch them making them easier to track down if they are stolen.

If you have a place to secure your vehicle overnight, like your garage or other well-lit secured area, you can reduce the chances of becoming a victim.

If you have any information on individuals stealing or buying stolen catalytic converters you will remain anonymous when you contact Crime Stoppers of Southwest Idaho and you could earn a reward of up to $1000.00 if your tip leads to a felony arrest!

Call 208-343-COPS(2677) or leave an online tip.

Check out this video from our news partner KTVB 7 that includes surveillance footage of a theft that occurred pre dawn on Dec. 20th: