Manchester Pair Charged In String Of Catalytic Converter Thefts

MANCHESTER, NJ — A pair of Manchester residents have been arrested in connection with a string of thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles in Manchester and surrounding towns, Manchester police said Wednesday.

Joseph Cook, 35, and Anna Hardy, 41, were arrested March 13 following a three-month investigation that included the Manchester, Toms River and Berkeley Township police departments, Manchester Capt. Todd Malland said.

Malland said the thefts have caused in excess of $25,000 in loss to the victims, in part because of damage caused while removing the part.

Catalytic converters, which are part of a vehicle's emission system, are valuable in the secondhand market, he said. They are commonly stolen from large gas engine vehicles, such as work trucks, recreational vehicles, box trucks and vans, but ones from hybrid cars are considered highly valuable.

Malland said the lead investigators — Manchester Detective Adam Emmons, Toms River Detective Travis Seaman and Berkeley Detective Shawn Bowens — were able to identify Cook and Hardy as suspects, and that led to surveillance.

On Saturday, detectives saw Cook and Hardy in isolated areas of Barnegat Township and Tabernacle Township, and in both locations, catalytic converters had been cut and removed from vehicles, he said.

Detectives subsequently stopped Cook’s vehicle and observed cutting tools, and what appeared to be a catalytic converter, in plain sight. A court-authorized search of Cook's vehicle turned up numerous stolen catalytic converters, Malland said.

A subsequent search at Cook and Hardy’s home in Manchester turned up an additional stolen catalytic converter.

Investigators also found shoes belonging to Cook that matched footwear impressions left at numerous crime scenes, Malland said.

Cook was taken to the Ocean County Jail, and Hardy was released on summonses with a pending court date.

Manchester, Toms River, and Berkeley police urge all vehicle owners to be aware of the increased risk of catalytic converter thefts. Vehicles left unattended in lots, yards or clubhouses for any period of time are frequently targeted.

Malland said the departments thanked the Westampton Township and Barnegat Township Police departments, and New Jersey State Police for their assistance in the investigation.

Anyone with information on the thefts is encouraged to contact the Manchester Township Police Department at 732-657-6111. As a reminder, anonymous tips can be submitted online at www.manchesterpolicenj.com. Tips may also be submitted through private Facebook message.

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