Crime & Safety

Catalytic Converter Thefts Continue

The information in this story comes from the ACC Police Department.

From the ACC Police Department:

Between 10pm on November 12 and 4pm on November 13, nine reports were written for the theft of catalytic converters.

Incidents were at 211 and 145 North Avenue, 101 Stone Mill Run, 700 Mitchell Bridge Road, and 225 The Preserve Drive. Then, between 5:30pm on December 11 and 7:15am on December 12, two vehicles on Riverbend Road and one on South Milledge Avenue were targeted.

The vehicles being targeted are Honda CRVs (2003 to 2007 models) and Honda Elements (2007 to 2009 models). Examples of each vehicle are attached. Earlier this spring, there were over two dozen incidents reported in the Atlanta area.

These type vehicles are targeted due to the ease of removing the converters. If you own one of these types of vehicles, please take steps to park your vehicle in a secure location.
 
To combat catalytic converter thefts, a number of states have passed laws tightening the restrictions on metal scrap dealers. In many cases, dealers are required to verify the seller's identity with a photo ID and maintain complete records of sellers for 5 years. To help prevent catalytic converter theft, use common sense and follow these tips:

• Always park in well-lighted areas
• At shopping centers and other similar parking lots, park close to the entrance of the building or near the access road where there's a lot of traffic
• If you own or work at a business or factory, park within a fenced area that's busy during the day and secured at night
• Engrave your license plate number on the converter to make it traceable
• Purchase a vehicle security system and make sure it’s set to trigger with just the slightest motion
• Visit a local muffler shop and have the converter secured to the vehicle’s frame with a couple of pieces of hardened steel welded to the frame
• Check out the different types of catalytic converter theft deterrent systems at your local auto parts store or online
 
Please forward any suspect information to either Det. Lamar Glenn (West Property at 706-353-4218 X138) or Det. Ron Mills (East Property at 706-613-3888
X 290). 


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