Catalytic Converter Crime Wave Hits Beverly, Morgan Park

CHICAGO — Chicago police are alerting residents to a recent trend of catalytic converter thefts in Beverly and Morgan Park. The thefts occurred during the overnight hours between Aug. 29 and Sept. 15.

In two of the cases, two suspects have been seen fleeing in a white or silver sedan after using a saw to cut the catalytic converters, Police describe the suspects as two male blacks wearing hooded sweatshirts.

Thefts occurred at the following times and locations:

• Aug. 29 to Aug. 30, between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., 9900 Block South Walden Parkway;
• Aug. 29 to Sept. 3, 9700 block of South Charles Street;
• Sept. 8 t0 Sept. 10, 10900 block of South Artesian Avenue;
• Sept. 10, 3 a.m. 10600 block of South Hamilton Avenue’
• Sept. 10, 4 a.m., 101oo block of South Talman Avenue
• Sept. 14 to Sept. 15, 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., 9400 block of South Damen Avenue.

Chicago police offer the following tips:

• Be aware of this crime and alert your neighbors and police.
• Have and maintain a working surveillance system.
• Call 911 if you hear the sound of saws or power tools in the early morning hours.
• Report suspicious vehicles and persons trolling streets and alleys by calling 911; provide a detailed description of the purported thieves, including vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers.

Three minutes, two cuts and one saw are all it takes for a thief to steal your catalytic converter, according to AOL Autos.

Catalytic converters are prized for their precious metals, such as gold, copper, palladium, platinum and rhodium. The parts have a street value of $100 to $200.

Unfortunately, repairs for the victim can cost between $300 to $2,000, depending on the vehicle and the skill of the crook, who could slice through fuel lines and other parts as they remove the converter.

Anyone with information, who may have seen suspicious cars trolling the neighborhood or if your home video surveillance system caught something on camera, please call CPD Area 2 Detectives at 312-747-8273.