They’re baaaack.
Police are once again warning North Side residents about catalytic converter thieves. The current crew seems to be concentrating its efforts around DePaul University and nearby Lincoln Park.
As usual, the thieves work during overnight hours, sawing catalytic converters off of parked vehicles. They’re focusing on Lexus and Honda models currently, police said in an alert.
The criminals will eventually sell the stolen converters for a couple of hundred bucks each. And the victims will typically pay a couple of thousand dollars to have the damage repaired.
A community alert from Area North detectives lists seven cases connected to the current pattern:
• In the 2100 block of North Fremont overnight on August 7-8.
• The 1000 block of North Bissell overnight on August 7-8.
• The 2100 block of North Lakewood late on August 18 or early August 19
• The 2200 block of North Lakewood early on August 19.
• The 2300 block of North Lakewood between August 18 and 20.
• The 500 block of West Fullerton between August 21 and 23.
• The 500 block of West Fullerton early on September 11.
The suspects, according to the police alert, are two black men who wear hoodies. Their work is often quite noticeable as it involves sawing through metal in the middle of the night.
Anyone with information should call Area North detectives at (312) 747-8380.
