Full Notification

Similar to agencies throughout the region and across the country, the Wilmington Police Department continues to receive reports of catalytic converter thefts.
 
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau,
 
“A catalytic converter is a device that looks like a small muffler along the exhaust system. It is designed to convert the environmentally hazardous exhaust emitted by the engine and convert them into less harmful gasses. To do this, they use platinum, palladium, or rhodium. In recent years, however, the values of these precious metals have skyrocketed.
 
Removing a catalytic converter takes only minutes using some basic, readily available battery-operated tools from a local hardware store. For the vehicle owner, it’s costly due to the loss of work, finding and paying for alternate transportation and then paying anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 to get your car fixed.”
 
Our agency has received reports of catalytic converter thefts in various locations and involving a wide range of vehicles. Multiple arrests have been made, and our Criminal Investigations Division continues to investigate these incidents.
 
The National Insurance Crime Bureau, and area law enforcement agencies, offer the following tips to vehicle owners to help prevent a catalytic converter theft:
 

• Park vehicles, if possible, in a garage. If not possible, park in well-illuminated areas when possible. Fleet trucks and vehicles should be parked in an enclosed area that is secured, well-illuminated and locked if possible.
• Consider installing a catalytic converter anti-theft device. These are available from various manufacturers and can provide a level of security from theft. If your car has a security system, ensure the sensitivity is high. This ensures that the alarm will activate if a thief tries to cut off your converter.
• Installing video surveillance or motion sensor lighting around your garage or driveway is also helpful.

 
Police encourage anyone who has been the victim of a catalytic converter theft to contact police and file a report as soon as possible. Anyone with information about catalytic converter theft incidents can also contact Detective Joran Merced at (302) 576-3637 or [email protected].
 
We also encourage anyone who observes suspicious activity to contact police.