PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — By now, you may have most likely heard of the continuing drawback of thieves stealing catalytic converters. Valley-wide, individuals are getting this beneficial automotive half stolen. Information reveals simply how widespread this crime is.
Numbers from Kelly Blue E book present 26,000 converters had been stolen within the first 5 months of 2021. That quantity almost doubled from solely 14,000 in all of 2020. A Tempe man is sharing his expertise with witnessing this crime that nearly turned violent.
“I used to be simply so indignant it was happening,” a Tempe man who didn’t need to be recognized mentioned.
The person mentioned he witnessed a person stealing his neighbor’s catalytic converter in the midst of the day.
“I heard an uncommon sound coming from the road,” the person mentioned.
He was capable of take footage whereas on the cellphone with the police. The person mentioned he considered stopping the crime himself till the alleged thief pulled the knife on him.
“He had no concern. He knew I used to be on the cellphone with the cops, and he continued to go at it,” the person mentioned.
The Tempe resident we spoke to has lived within the neighborhood for 20 years. He has by no means seen something like this, and now he has a brand new concern.
“Each noise, I’m leaping up and searching the window,” the person mentioned.
Chris McCurdy owns Scottsdale Muffler and Automotive. “It is a dangerous state of affairs we’re in proper now,” McCurdy mentioned. McCurdy mentioned this crime may very well be expensive for drivers, and an answer to the issue will be discouraging.
“This one is about $1,225 due to all the pieces that bought taken,” McCurdy mentioned whereas exhibiting a truck he was engaged on that had its converter stolen. “There is no such thing as a numbers or something on them that can let you know it got here out of your automobile.”
McCurdy mentioned round three to 4 individuals are available in every day needing a brand new converter as a result of theirs was stolen. It is a crime, he mentioned, occurs quick.
“It might probably take lower than a minute,” McCurdy mentioned.
McCurdy mentioned are new methods to guard your converter. It does come at a worth however ensures it’s secure.
“We’re constructing cages,” McCurdy mentioned. “As an example, on this one truck, it might consist of 4 cages. So in the event that they tried to chop it, they’d by no means have the ability to get the elements out. Some with a easy cage run round 125 {dollars}.”
McCurdy mentioned parking beneath a light-weight shouldn’t be your finest guess as a result of that can make it simpler for thieves to see what they’re doing. He additionally recommends not backing your automotive into the driveway as a result of that can then make the converter simpler to entry from the road.
