Catalytic Converters, Tires Being Taken From Leesburg Cars: Cops

LEESBURG, VA — Local law enforcement officials have been alerted to a recent uptick in the theft of catalytic converters, tires and rims from vehicles parked at Leesburg apartment complexes and are warning local residents to be on alert, police said Thursday.

Officials from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and Leesburg Police Department said that thieves are targeting vehicles parked in the parking lots of local apartments and that the items are being stolen during the overnight hours. Officials said that the vehicles most targeted are Hondas and Toyotas.

As a precaution, residents are encouraged to park their vehicles close to the apartment building and in well-lit areas if possible and should calibrate their car alarms to go off when vibrations in the vehicle are detected. Residents who live in single-family homes should place security cameras facing vehicles if they are parked outdoors and should have their catalytic converters welded to their vehicles. Police also are instructing car-owners to have their vehicle identification number engraved on the catalytic converter to be able to connect thefts of the parts to their vehicles.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to report all suspicious activity immediately by calling the department’s non-emergency number at (703) 777-1021 or by dialing 911.