Catalytic converter theft in Arizona on the rise

Since the middle of March, Peoria police say 87 catalytic converters have been stolen, including 34 from Younger Brothers Construction.

The 34 thefts occurred from Aug. 22 to Aug. 25, said Mike Tellef, at the media relations office for the Peoria Police and Fire Departments.

Eighty percent of vehicles hit in Peoria are Toyotas, with the Tacoma ranking No. 1, Tellef said. Older models, 1995 to 2001, appear to be targeted more often, he said.

Converter thieves slip under vehicles and with a battery-powered saw, cut through the exhaust pipe or use a ratchet to unfasten the bolts and unscrew the converter, Tellef said.

Thieves steal converters because of the three rare metals found inside:

• Platinum (current value $1,278/oz).

• Rhodium (current value $6,008/oz).

• Palladium (current value $395/oz).

The average converter only contains about 1 to 2 grams of the metals, a maximum of about 7/100th of an ounce, Tellef said. Metal recycling companies pay anywhere from $25 to $150 a piece for converters, he said.

Tellef said to help prevent these thefts, try not to park your vehicle in the driveway of your home or on the street.

Great advice right?! HA!

How sad. It's obvious that they are taking them from trucks because they have the room to crawl under them. The lower to the ground cars are probably fine left in your ow driveway. I guess everyone needs to invest in cameras now...