Theft of catalytic converters is becoming a new problem in W.Va.

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Law enforcement agencies across southern West Virginia are dealing with a new problem which should be of great concern to those who own a vehicle with high clearance.

Theft of catalytic converters has become the new rage of the criminal element.  It’s not just in West Virginia, but nationally and even in Canada stealing the key component of most modern vehicle exhausts has become a massive problem.

“There are trace amounts of very precious metals in the converters. It’s nothing you could pull out on your own and take it to a recycling center, but if you have several it can amount to something, ” said Captain Pat Rader of the South Charleston Police Department.

Rader said his detectives continue to investigate several cases. For the past year there have been 20 to 30 stolen in South Charleston alone. According to Rader, his department’s officers were able to make an arrest which involved several of those cases and the thefts have slowed down. However, in areas where there isn’t as large police presence it’s become a real issue.

The game is quick. Thieves use a reciprocating saw, often referred to as a “saws all” for the activity. They make two cuts to the exhaust system on either side off the converter and they are out. The biggest targets are trucks, vans, and any other vehicle which has higher ground clearance giving easier access to the exhaust.

“If somebody knows exactly what they’re doing with a box truck or delivery truck with good clearance, they’ll be in and out in about a minute,” Rader said.

State Police have an open investigation. Rader said his officers and those with other law enforcement including the city of Charleston and almost every surrounding county law enforcement agency is dealing with similar thefts and problems. He thinks a lot more may be connected than anybody has been able to figure.

“It’s more organized that people would realize. It’s not Johnny down the street it’s several different guys working in concert to get as many as they can. They’ll then find somebody from out of state who will pay top dollar for what they have,” Rader explained.

Companies with fleets are encouraged to increase lighting, put up security fencing and additional cameras. Rader said he’s unsure if there is anything mechanical people are doing to protect the converters. Replacement of the parts is pricey.

“Its costing time and money for these businesses who are already having a tough time trying to scratch out a living from this pandemic,” he explained.





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