Spike in Catalytic Converter Thefts in Boro Park

By Y.M. Lowy

Boro Park residents should be on high alert as reports of catalytic converter thefts have increased in recent weeks, the NYPD 66th Precinct warns.

Thieves typically use battery-powered saws to cut out the catalytic converter from underneath a car. The entire process can take less than two minutes, especially in vehicles with higher ground clearance, such as SUVs and trucks. Once stolen, these parts are sold to scrap yards or buyers who extract the valuable metals for resale. A single stolen catalytic converter can go for hundreds of dollars on the black market, making them a prime target for criminals.

Marking your catalytic converter with your license plate number or VIN makes it harder for thieves to sell and easier for law enforcement to track stolen parts.

Residents should report any suspicious behavior, such as people loitering around parked cars, especially late at night or in the early morning hours. If you see someone attempting to remove a catalytic converter, call 911 immediately. 

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