Chicago police have issued a community alert to warn Old Town residents about a series of catalytic converter thefts. Detectives typically issue community alerts when they believe an individual or group is responsible for an ongoing crime pattern
Thieves cut the catalytic converters off at least three parked cars in the North Side neighborhood last week, according to police: in the 300 block of West North Avenue on the morning of May 16; in the 1700 block of North Mohawk on the afternoon of May 20; and in the 500 block of West Wisconsin on the evening of May 20.
The thieves are two men, one Asian and the other African American, the alert said.
CWBChicago reported last Friday that catalytic converter thieves struck in Old Town, Lakeview, and Albany Park over recent days. The thieves reportedly used a Lexus vehicle during at least one of the Old Town thefts. A Dodge Challenger or Dodge Charger has been seen in the area of many catalytic converter thefts since January.
Anyone with information about the crimes can contact Area 3 detectives at 312-744-8263 regarding pattern P20-3-110.
Catalytic converter thieves use saws to remove catalytic converters from under vehicles and then sell the devices for $100 to $200 each at scrapyards. The parts are especially valuable because they contain expensive metals.