A West Side business owner is urging vigilance after thieves stole a catalytic converter from his company’s work truck in a brazen pre-dawn theft caught on multiple security cameras Friday morning.
The theft occurred around 4:30 a.m. on August 8 in front of Taurus Security Shutters’ showroom at 5906 West Roosevelt Road, according to owner Kurt Lamothe. The company has been serving Chicago for more than 20 years.
“We’d like to share our footage and experience to help your readers understand the scope of the problem and the need for vigilance,” Lamothe said, adding he was struck by the “boldness” of the thieves.
In the video, a small dark vehicle makes a U-turn and parks directly in front of the company’s van. Two men get out, with the driver carrying a yellow Sawzall-style tool.
While the passenger stands lookout, the driver slides under the work van, and the loud noise of the saw can be heard slicing through the vehicle’s underbelly. Less than a minute later, the passenger picks the catalytic converter up from the gutter and tosses it into the back seat of the pair’s sedan.
Lamothe has not yet received an estimate for the damages because the repair shop they visited did not have the part in stock. Catalytic converters for passenger vehicles typically cost over $1,000 to repair.
Catalytic converter thefts remain a persistent issue across Chicago, with thieves drawn to the valuable metals inside. The crimes can take less than two minutes to commit and often cost victims thousands of dollars in repairs.
FAST FACTS: Catalytic Converter Thefts
- What it is: A device in your vehicle’s exhaust system that reduces toxic emissions.
- Why it’s stolen: It contains precious metals worth hundreds to thousands of dollars per ounce, including platinum, palladium, and rhodium.
- How it’s stolen: Thieves use battery-powered saws to cut it free in 1–2 minutes.
- Cost to replace: Often $1,000–$3,000, plus possible weeks-long delays for parts.
- Prevention tips: Park in well-lit areas, install anti-theft shields, engrave VIN on the converter, or keep vehicles in a garage.
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