Watertown Police Warn About Car Part Thefts

WATERTOWN, MA — Watertown police are warning drivers to be vigilant of their parked cars after three reports of car part thefts came in.

Police said catalytic converters are being stolen from parked cars in town and across Massachusetts. A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control found under the car — police said it is commonly stolen because the metal is sold as scrap metal.

Police warned that any gas-powered car could be targeted and offered tips to keep thieves at bay:

• Park in well-lit areas
• Park in your garage when possible
• Park in a way that makes it harder for thieves to get under your car. For example, parking close to curbs.
• Etch your VIN number into the catalytic converter
• If you have a car alarm that detects vibrations, use it
• Install motion lights and park within range of the lights
• Install security cameras where you park
• Ask your mechanic about ways to weld or attach equipment to make it harder to remove a catalytic converter