Chicago’s friendly neighborhood catalytic converter thieves were very busy late last week, according to CPD reports. Police released a community alert on Sunday night after they logged several cases in Lakeview. Another crew was seen sweeping through the Northwest Side the same night.
According to the CPD alert, a two-man crew stole catalytic converters from under parked cars on the 500 block of West Addison, the 4300 block of North Kenmore, and the 400 block of West Melrose between 9 p.m. April 1 and 9:50 a.m. April 2.
A witness who saw the Melrose theft taking place called 911 around 3:15 a.m. and said the offenders were getting around in a white Mustang GT.
Anyone with information about the incidents can contact detectives at 312-744-8263 regarding pattern P21-3-048.
Another series of catalytic converter thefts were reported across the Northwest Side between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. Friday, according to CPD reports. In those cases, a cranberry-colored Infinity G37 was used by thieves who struck in Jefferson Park and Forest Glen.
Last weekend, police issued a community alert after several similar crimes were reported in Lincoln Park and Old Town.
CWBChicago reported in February that catalytic converter thefts are on the rise across the country as the value of precious metals they contain skyrocket.
You probably already know that converter thieves use saws to remove catalytic converters from under vehicles and then sell the devices at scrapyards or on the black market for $100 to $200 each. The converters, which reduce harmful emissions, are especially valuable because they contain small amounts of expensive metals.
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