BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Catalytic converters are still popular among local thieves.
The Bellingham Police Department reports there were more than 40 thefts of the devices in the city in October.
Lt. Claudia Murphy says converters can be taken from any vehicle, but the Toyota Prius is a favored target.
“One of the reasons we are hearing is that the Prius offers the fact that the catalytic converter ends up being cleaner,” says Murphy. “And so the material in it is more readily able to be sold for more money.”
She says they’ve been in touch with local scrap dealers to reinforce the message that devices cut off from vehicles are likely stolen.
And she advises owners to park their vehicles in a garage if possible or to set car alarms to a more sensitive level.