For the second time this month, Chicago police are warning Lincoln Park and Old Town residents about thieves who take parts from parked cars in the neighborhoods. The community alerts from Area Three detectives said the theft crew focusing on spare tires and catalytic converters, often during daytime hours. Thefts have occurred:
- in the 2100 block of North Lincoln Park West during the evening of March 31
- in the 2100 block of North Lincoln Park West during the morning of April 2
- in the 1800 block of North Lincoln during the morning of April 2
- in the 2100 block of North Magnolia during the evening of April 8
- in the 2000 block of North Seminary during the afternoon of April 10
- in the 2200 block of North Lincoln Park West during the morning of April 13
- in the 1700 block of North North Park during the morning of April 13
- in the 1700 block of North Sedgwick during the morning of April 15
Another case was reported on the 1300 block of North Lake Shore Drive in the Gold Coast on the morning of April 7, police said.
The alert did not include any descriptions of the offenders. However, CWBChicago has learned that the crew was seen driving a white Ford Mustang on April 13. On that morning, they also targeted cars in the Uptown neighborhood, according to CPD reports.
Anyone with information about the thefts can contact Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263 regarding community alert #P21-3-040C.
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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