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March 28, 2008

Thieves targeting catalytic converters for quick cash

By ANDREA VanVALKENBURG

PLATTSBURGH -- Some area drivers have been surprised to find their vehicles missing catalytic converters.

Earlier this month, thieves targeted several trucks and SUVs in the area during a series of late-night crimes.

Using handheld saws, the thieves were able to cut the expensive converters off at least three vehicles within the City of Plattsburgh limits.

One driver was reported to have left his truck in a city parking lot overnight and returned the following day to find it sounding like it belonged on a race track.

When a City of Plattsburgh vehicle suddenly sounded like it had a small jet engine, officials found out it was also missing its converter.

City Police said those incidents and another converter theft occurred separately but have been linked based on the nature of the crime.

VALUABLE METALS

The small parts help reduce toxic emissions from exhaust systems. Because they contain platinum, the converters can be resold at exorbitant rates, which is why, police said, they've been targeted by criminals.

In recent years, the skyrocketing value of precious metals, including platinum, have made converters an easy target.

The catalyst alone can be resold for several hundred dollars at the highest going rates, depending on the buyer.

As a whole, converters are resold at higher rates in urban areas than they are in rural communities.

Newer-model vehicles are targeted more often than older models because they contain more valuable metals.

The cost of replacement parts varies, depending on the make and model of the vehicles, but can range from about $60 up to $300 at wholesale prices, not including the labor costs to install them.

ON ALERT

To help curb the growing problem, officials are asking anyone who spots something unusual, like someone working beneath a vehicle in an area such as a store or business parking lot, to contact authorities as soon as possible.

Plattsburgh City Police said their investigation is ongoing, though they have identified possible suspects in the case.

The State Police investigator handling other recent converter-theft complaints did not return a Press-Republican message seeking further details about those crimes.

avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com

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