4 Catalytic Converters Stolen In Greendale Last Week: Police

GREENDALE, WI— Four catalytic converters were stolen from work vans in a parking lot near the Goodwill off 60th Street and Grange Avenue last week, police said.

Police said they believe all four catalytic converters were stolen by the same person or group of persons, and a detective is actively pursuing suspects in the case. Greendale Police Sergeant Karczewski said a high estimate of damages could be around $1000 per catalytic converter stolen.

When catalytic convertor thefts do happen in Greendale, they typically don't happen on side streets- Like this incident, they tend to be stolen from Southridge Mall or other business parking lots, Karczewski said.

Thieves typically steal from parking lots because the crowded environment can hide them from onlookers, Karczewski said.

Greendale experiences catalytic convertor thefts every now and then, Karczewski said, but there is no indication of a growing trend in the Village, unlike nationwide where many municipalities have been dealing with a dramatic rise in catalytic converter thefts.

The innocuous car part has become a coveted item for its valuable elements contained inside such as platinum, rhodium and gold, experts told Patch.

Greendale Police offered some tips to prevent becoming a victim of catalytic converter thefts. Although they occur most often in parking lots, Greendale residents can still protect themselves by remaining alert and parking in areas where their vehicle can be easily seen.

See also: Catalytic Converter Thefts Soar With Price Of Precious Metals