38 replies to this topic

[BuffaloRon]

Just a little FYI, now's the time of the year that certain people like to prey on others, usually for monetary gain.

My neighbor who lives two doors down had his catalytic converter stolen Friday night while his vehicle was parked in front of his house. This happened on Mallard Circle in the Willow Springs Subdivision. It appears that someone crawled underneath his 4Runner and cut the converter out in the middle of the night. Just wondering if anyone else in Willow Springs experienced a similar incident?

Be a good neighbor and keep an eye open for others; if something doesn't appear normal, report it to the police. What's ironic, is that we have a neighborhood watch program in place. These guys were apparently quiet and quick.

[Darth Lefty]

I've heard of this happening but it has way more to do with the cost of platinum than the time of year...

[Revolutionist]

I've heard of this happening but it has way more to do with the cost of platinum than the time of year...

I don't have a reference link, but I remember hearing/reading news saying that the most popular targets for this kind of crime are Toyota trucks and SUVs due to the height of the vehicle and ease of removal.

[_john_doe_]

I've seen references to that as well.
Cat. Conv. and Air bags. Both highly sought after from thieves.

[Allen]

Just a little FYI, now's the time of the year that certain people like to prey on others, usually for monetary gain.

My neighbor who lives two doors down had his catalytic converter stolen Friday night while his vehicle was parked in front of his house. This happened on Mallard Circle in the Willow Springs Subdivision. It appears that someone crawled underneath his 4Runner and cut the converter out in the middle of the night. Just wondering if anyone else in Willow Springs experienced a similar incident?

Be a good neighbor and keep an eye open for others; if something doesn't appear normal, report it to the police. What's ironic, is that we have a neighborhood watch program in place. These guys were apparently quiet and quick.

You gotta be kdding me! If these guys are so good, quick & quiet working in the chilly dark without proper lighting and a rolling toolbox all with the pressure of getting caught.....(whew!), could they not just get a job a jiffy lube and be legit with better working conditions (possibly) and get a paycheck????"

This world is going in the crapper! I am getting sick n' tired of these scumbags.

Dirty Harry, where are you?

[hopeanelli]

I've heard of this happening but it has way more to do with the cost of platinum than the time of year...

Exactly correct the price of platinum is high right now and drug addicts are cutting them out of cars and getting their money and buying their drugs. My husband is seeing alot of cars come in with cat's missing -- he said it's been really on the rise he see's one or two cars a week if not more for this.. It's just crazy so yes if you see someone under your car or a neighbors its most likely not the neighborhood mechanic checking its a thief stealing your cat for his next high...
Very sad and today's cars are not cheap when it comes to replacing those parts...

[ChipShot]

This world is going in the crapper! Dirty Harry, where are you?

Join my brigade. And also, if people would just get rid of all the junk in their garages, they'd have room to park the car out of reach of the thug scum punk thieves (and out of the bad weather, too). Just another of my random thoughts....

[BuffaloRon]

Actually, catalytic converter thefts have been actively going on since the summer. Yes, you are all correct in the reasons why Cat's are being stolen. My rationale was tied into the holiday season, which is a good way for theives to pocket some additional quick cash.

Hopanelli, there are 3 precious metals found in Cat's: Platinum (approx. $1298/oz.), Palladium (approx. $375/oz.), and Rhodium (approx. $5950/oz.). It takes less than 60 seconds to cut the Cat off of an exhaust system, and anywhere between $2000 - $3000 to put a new one on.

As _john_ mentioned, air bags are also highly sought after, but it takes the thief a little more time to walk away with them. Regardless, either will work fine when you're playing midnight auto.

[hopeanelli]

Actually, catalytic converter thefts have been actively going on since the summer. Yes, you are all correct in the reasons why Cat's are being stolen. My rationale was tied into the holiday season, which is a good way for theives to pocket some additional quick cash.

Hopanelli, there are 3 precious metals found in Cat's: Platinum (approx. $1298/oz.), Palladium (approx. $375/oz.), and Rhodium (approx. $5950/oz.). It takes less than 60 seconds to cut the Cat off of an exhaust system, and anywhere between $2000 - $3000 to put a new one on.

As _john_ mentioned, air bags are also highly sought after, but it takes the thief a little more time to walk away with them. Regardless, either will work fine when you're playing midnight auto.

Yes I was aware of the other precious metals and also the cost to replace as I said my husband is in the automotive industry but it's the platinum that is easiest/quickest to get money for. During the summer I had the AC unit at my office stolen two times in 2 months for the copper which is another quick cash getter.

[Darth Lefty]

Calling them drug addicts is unfair to honest crooks [-(

[BuffaloRon]

So, I haven't heard from any Willow Springs residents, or have I? Does anybody know if any other vehicles had catalytic convertors stolen on the weekend between 12-7 to 12-9. I'm wondering if this was a random hit, or were the perps working the area?

[chris v]

The cutting of cat's is nothing new, it has been going on for years, maybe not in this neighborhood. Toyota trucks and 4 Runners from 89-94ish are the main targets but not the only ones.

[BuffaloRon]

The cutting of cat's is nothing new, it has been going on for years, maybe not in this neighborhood. Toyota trucks and 4 Runners from 89-94ish are the main targets but not the only ones.

True, it started getting more air-time and notariety about 6-8 months ago. It's the first incident I've heard of in our neighborhood. GM trucks (Chevy and GMC) have also had quite a few cat thefts.

[supermom]

True, it started getting more air-time and notariety about 6-8 months ago. It's the first incident I've heard of in our neighborhood. GM trucks (Chevy and GMC) have also had quite a few cat thefts.

Isn't there a way you can weld a lock or something onto them that makes it more difficult to steal them?

[chris v]

Isn't there a way you can weld a lock or something onto them that makes it more difficult to steal them?

Not really, plus they are being cut off.