MidCityWest: Thieves Targeting Catalytic Converters … 34 Since January

PARK LABREA NEWS-Authorities are warning motorists about a series of thefts where catalytic converters are being stolen from Toyota trucks and SUVs, as well as Honda Elements. 

Det. Carmine Sasso, with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Wilshire Division, said catalytic converters have been stolen from  34 parked vehicles since Jan. 1. Police believe the thieves are stealing the engine components to sell for scrap, or may be selling them as after-market parts. 

Catalytic converters contain traces of precious metals such as platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold that can be separated and reused, he added. 

“This is not just a problem in the Wilshire area; it’s citywide,” Sasso said. “This is also a big thing in Europe. The U.K. is getting hit hard.” (Read the rest here) 

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CityWatch

5-14-14