Rash Of Catalytic Converter Thefts Reported In Downers Grove

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Downers Grove police recently responded to a string of catalytic converter thefts. Within a week, three residents reported that their catalytic converters had been stolen, according to a recent police report.

400 block of 74th Street

A resident told police that her catalytic converter was stolen sometime between midnight on April 28 and 7 a.m. on April 29. The estimated cost to repair it is $1500, according to police.

1400 block of Ridgewood Circle

Police say a catalytic converter was stolen from a Toyota Prius sometime between 3:45 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. on May 5.

600 block of 63rd Street

Sometime between 11:30 p.m. on May 4 and 6 a.m. on May 5, a catalytic converter was stolen from a car that was parked in a driveway of a home in the 600 block of 63rd street.

Thieves often steal catalytic converters —part of the car's exhaust system— because these parts often contain platinum, rhodium, or other precious metals that can turn a profit at scrapyards. Catalytic converter thieves are known to target vehicles late at night or early in the morning under the cover of darkness.

If a catalytic converter is stolen, your car will make a loud roar when it runs, and you'll notice part of your exhaust system is missing when you look under your car.

To help prevent catalytic converter theft, mechanics recommend parking in a well-lit spot or in a garage or installing a security device on the catalytic converter itself. You can also etch your car's VIN into your catalytic converter to make it easier to track down at scrapyards in the event that it is stolen.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Downers Grove Police Department at 630-434-5600.