|
Catalytic Converter Thefts in Metro Area Prompt CIAC to Ask For Public’s Help
from the Colorado Department of Public Safety
More than 100 cases of catalytic converter theft have occurred throughout the greater Denver metropolitan area since January 2010. In fewer than 60 seconds, a two-person team using an electric saw can remove a catalytic converter from a targeted vehicle.
Vehicles targeted for catalytic converter theft primarily include, but are not limited to, late-model Toyota Tacomas and Toyota 4-Runners.
Vehicles such as the Tacoma and 4-Runner, which sit higher off the ground, have catalytic converters that are more easily accessible to thieves.
The majority of catalytic converter thefts have occurred in:
• Public parking lots, such as grocery stores;
• RTD park-n-ride stations;
• Employee lots; and
• Other open parking areas.
Thieves are likely selling the stolen catalytic converters to metal recycling facilities, salvage yards, or unknown third parties.
The public should also be advised that preventative or protective measures do exist. In some instances cages or other fixtures can be installed around the catalytic converter. It is also possible to mark the converters with a traceable identifier.
This information is being provided to you from the Colorado Information Analysis Center (CIAC) through a partnership in this investigation with other Denver metropolitan law enforcement agencies. CIAC is part of the Colorado Department of Public Safety.
Anyone who has information pertaining to this crime, or has been a victim of this crime, is urged to report the theft to local law enforcement agencies first and then to contact the Colorado Information Analysis Center (CIAC) at 1-877-509-CIAC (2422) or via e-mail at ciac@ciac.co.gov.
Previous Page
|
|
|
E-Mail This Page