Pittsfield Township police offer tips to prevent catalytic converter thefts
Pittsfield Township police are warning residents about an increase in catalytic converter thefts over the past month, mainly from vehicles parked in apartment complexes and shopping centers.
Police say it can be hard to protect against catalytic converter thefts - but there are a few precautions people can take to avoid being victimized.
The theft of a catalytic converter takes less than a minute to commit, as thieves use a cordless saw to cut the exhaust pipes that connect the converter to the vehicle, police said. The larcenies are normally committed where vehicles are found together in parking lots overnight, such as in apartment complexes.
A catalytic converter.
Police say residents should park their cars in garages if possible and activate vehicle alarms if they have them. But if garages aren't available, as is the case in many apartment complexes, people should try to park in well-lit areas and as close to buildings as possible.
Officials said it's extremely important to call 911 if you see suspicious activity, vehicles and/or people and believe crimes may be in progress. Whenever possible, police say people should get a license plate number and detailed description of the vehicle or people observed.
In addition, GPS devices, computers, purses, clothing and other items of value have been taken from unlocked and, in some cases, locked vehicles, police said. To prevent against those thefts, remove valuables and make sure the car is always locked, police said.
Anyone with information on the thefts is asked to call Pittsfield police at 734-944-4911.
Residents also can sign up to get free e-mail and text alerts about incidents in Pittsfield Township. To do so, visit the Pittsfield Township Department of Public Safety website at http://www.pittsfield-mi.gov/DPS.html and look for the Nixle alert system.
Comments
snapshot
Tue, Aug 24, 2010 : 9:31 p.m.
I agree with Macabre, if police check inventory and receipts at muffler shops and recyclers they'd eliminate the market for used converters.
Lokalisierung
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 3:52 p.m.
it's a risk for sure. If you still have a muffler on there it shouldn't be too loud though. Plus police usually don't go that far looking for things unless you're being rude to them. Look at all the illegal window tinted cars out there.
ondego
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 3:40 p.m.
good idea Lokalisierung - but with my luck I'd get a violation for being too loud!!!
Lokalisierung
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 11:50 a.m.
"The culprits are now "attacking" parking lots instead of RV storage lots." Happened to somone I know in Ypsi right on the street in front of their house. Also, the best way to make sure you don't get it stolen is not to have one. Straight pipe that sucker all the way back.
ondego
Sun, Aug 22, 2010 : 4:33 p.m.
This is a problem that has been going on in/around Pittsfield Township for some time now. I was a victim in early March. The culprits are now "attacking" parking lots instead of RV storage lots. By the way, $300 for a converter is a good deal considering mine cost me a total of $1400.00 (there were 2 removed from my RV). My understanding is that these converters are taken right across the Michigan/Ohio border where they are sold to buyers where there are no restrictions. Perhaps Ohio needs to beef up their laws... either way, it's a nice business for the thief, but a pain for those of us who have been victims.
CommonThought
Sun, Aug 22, 2010 : 8:29 a.m.
//The larcenies are normally committed in mass where vehicles are found together in parking lots overnight, such as in apartment complexes. Police say residents should park their cars in garages if possible... Since most of these thefts happened at apartments, im sure management wouldn't mind if the residents built themselves garages.
KJMClark
Sun, Aug 22, 2010 : 6:47 a.m.
What exactly do you think "en masse" means in French? Too many dual physics/French majors around some days. I've never seen a lock for a catalytic converter before. I bet that would help, though $100 is a good chunk of the cost of a new converter. And what are your odds of having yours stolen? Our truck is parked out on the street every night, but a replacement converter is only $300. I'd agree with Macabre, but I think the best way to prevent theft is for the Fed and Congress to get off their duffs and get the economy growing again.
Bear
Sun, Aug 22, 2010 : 4:43 a.m.
Yes, WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot, the term is 'en masse' and that is a major goof using 'in mass', and that is a major mistake for even a rookie journalist. And, BTW, I'm laughing that these guys at A2.com are somewhat unfamiliar with the phonetic alphabet that they haven't gigged your posts. WTF? Seriously?
WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot
Sat, Aug 21, 2010 : 9:29 p.m.
fjord seriously???? Who cares. You can buy all the Catlocks you want and the thief will just cut the pipe in another spot.
Macabre Sunset
Sat, Aug 21, 2010 : 4:29 p.m.
The best way to prevent theft of something that's going to spend a lot of time outdoors unattended (and, sorry, devices like the catlock aren't going to help all that much) is for judges to crack down on criminals, including scrap metal dealers who don't care even when what's being sold is quite suspicious.
Catlock
Sat, Aug 21, 2010 : 4:05 p.m.
The best way to prevent catalytic converter theft is to purchase and install a converter lock like The Catlock, available at www.cat-lock.com.