Town of New Hartford NEW YORK

New Hartford Police Department

Crime Prevention Tips & Alerts

The CAT Burglar is Back – with a new twist!

A recent Newsweek article (01/21/08) reports catalytic converters are the new “hot item” for thieves looking to steal. Catalytic converters are anti-pollution devices located on the exhaust system of every car and truck. Police agencies around the country are reporting a surge in thefts of the units, because each one contains a small amount of platinum.

In 2000, platinum went for around $500 an ounce. Today the price has climbed to over $1,500 per ounce. Thieves need only a few moments to slip under a vehicle, remove the device with wrenches or saws and disappear. The parts are then sold to scrap dealers for a fraction of their value. The bill to replace them can run up to $2,000, according to AAA's national Auto Repair Network.

Chief Raymond Philo reports there is at least 1 confirmed case of a converter theft in New Hartford. It occurred in October behind the New Hartford Shopping Center. One prevention tip: parking in a locked garage, if possible, especially at night. Also, "cat" burglars tend to target SUVs and other high-clearance vehicles for the ease of theft and higher platinum yields—so pay particular attention if you own these types of vehicles.

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