The metro area, including the city of Apple Valley, continues to see thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles, the Apple Valley Police Department reported on March 31.
Some suspects have been arrested for these thefts, but it is believed that there are several groups that commit the crime, so special consideration should be given to vehicles left unattended for long periods of time, especially at night. Catalytic converters are made of precious metals and can be sold at dealerships for up to $ 250 each, they do not have a serial number or identification markings, so they are virtually impossible to find and easy to remove from vehicles. which makes them attractive to thieves, the department said.
The authors, who typically work in groups of two to three people, typically park next to the target vehicle, lift it a bit for easier sliding and access to the part, and then shut off the catalytic converter with a power tool. The whole process only takes a few minutes. The thefts have been reported to occur during the day and at night.
The ministry reminded the public to take precautions to prevent this type of theft, including monitoring suspicious activity around parked vehicles; listen to the sound of crushed metal; park vehicles inside a garage when available; park near the building where the vehicle can be seen or park under a light if the vehicle will be unattended for an extended period.
“If you notice any suspicious activity around parked vehicles, call 911 immediately. Write down a physical description of the suspicious people and the vehicle they are driving and report it to the dispatcher. Be available for additional follow-up from an agent if they need to contact you after responding to the theft, ”the ministry said.
