BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Thefts of catalytic converters are up in Bellingham.
Police Lieutenant Claudia Murphy says 40 have been stolen from vehicles so far this year, up from 35 through all of last year.
“They cut that catalytic converter out very quickly and very quietly and they’re off with it,” says Murphy.
The emissions control devices contain some precious metals that thieves can sell to unscrupulous recyclers, and Lt. Murphy says they’re targeting a specific vehicle more than others.
“The Prius offers, of course, the fact that it’s a hybrid vehicle so the converter ends up being cleaner,” says Murphy. “So the material in it is more readily available to be sold for more money.”
Replacing the device is expensive and she says thieves sometimes do other damage to vehicles while removing them.
Police are asking recyclers to be on the lookout for converters that are obviously stolen, but they believe most are sold elsewhere.
Most are stolen at night so keeping property around vehicle well lit can help as can setting car alarms to be more sensitive.