6 Catalytic Converters Cut From Cars In Wheaton: Cops

WHEATON, IL — Six catalytic converters were cut from cars in Wheaton in a span of hours, according to a recent crime blotter. The city has seen 16 catalytic converter thefts in the past three months, with thieves typically targeting Toyotas or Hondas, Wheaton Police Chief William Murphy told Patch.

The most recent thefts took place between the evening hours of June 21 and the early morning and afternoon hours of June 22. According to police, the cars that were targeted were parked in parking lots.

Intersection of College Avenue and Washington Street

A catalytic converter was stolen from a Toyota Prius that was parked on the street near the intersection of College Avenue and Washington Street. The theft took place sometime between 8 p.m. June 21 and 6:20 a.m. June 22.

2000 Block of North Main Street

Police say thieves cut a catalytic converter from a Honda Accord that was in a parking lot at the above address. The incident happened sometime between 5 p.m. June 21 and 12 p.m. June 22.

1000 Block of Briarbrook Drive

A catalytic converter was stolen from a Honda Accord in a parking lot at the above address. Police say the theft took place between 11 p.m. June 21 and 8 a.m. June 22.

1100 Block of Briarbrook Drive

Thieves stole a catalytic converter from a Honda Accord parked in a lot in the 1100 block of Briarbrook Drive, according to police. The theft happened sometime between 8 p.m. June 21 and 4 p.m. June 22.

1700 Block of East 22nd Street

Sometime between 7 p.m. on June 21 and 6:45 a.m. on June 22, a catalytic converter was cut and stolen from a Honda Accord parked in a parking lot.

1700 Block of East 22nd Street

Police say someone removed a catalytic converter from a Honda Odyssey in a parking lot at the above address. The theft took place sometime between 6 p.m. June 21 and 8 a.m. June 22.

Chief Murphy told Patch residents are encouraged to park their cars inside a garage, if possible. Residents without a garage should leave their outside lights on or park in a well-lit area if in a lot.

Murphy advised residents to call 911 to report any suspicious cars, activity, or sounds, as catalytic converter thieves often use a power saw to remove the item. Residents are also encouraged to check their doorbell or surveillance cameras for activity during the night.

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.

Readers who have more information are encouraged to call Wheaton police at 630-260-2161.