Thieves target catalytic converters from autos
Just when you thought the Kelowna bait car program could help you sleep easier at night. The latest is that thieves are now targeting catalytic converters. The anti-pollution devices contain small amounts of platinum, rhodium and palladium, and the value of these precious metals has been rising sharply, making catalytic converters a hot commodity in more ways than one at scrap yards.
In Bangor, US, medical secretary Karen Thompson was summoned by hospital security to the parking lot, where someone had cut away the converters from a couple of vehicles, including her 2006 Toyota Tundra pickup. When she started up the truck, it rumbled as if there was no muffler.
Police said the thieves are often drug addicts looking for fast cash. Thieves tend to target sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks because they do not have to be jacked up. A thief can simply crawl under the vehicle.
It gives a whole new meaning to the term “Cat Burglar”.
