Thieves are stealing catalytic converters by cutting them from vehicles.
A catalytic converter is a critical component of a vehicle’s exhaust and emission system, the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office report. The converters contain valuable copper and other expensive metals, making them valuable for thieves to try and sell to recyclers.
According to the sheriff’s office, these incidents are happening throughout the county and are being reported at businesses and residences. Several other law enforcement agencies are seeing a spike in catalytic converter thefts. People who park their vehicles outside are being asked to be vigilant and try to keep the vehicle in well-lit areas.
Anyone who has information regarding the thefts is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 320-632-9233.
The issue isn't limited to the lakes region. This month, Fox40, a news outlet in Stockton, California, reported the police department is teaming with local mechanics in an Etch and Catch effort to paint and engrave vehicle owners' license plate numbers on catalytic converters to prevent thefts. A detective told the Fox40 station the thefts have increased 1,000% with staggering numbers.
