A West Aspect enterprise proprietor is urging vigilance after thieves stole a catalytic converter from his firm’s work truck in a brazen pre-dawn theft caught on a number of safety cameras Friday morning.
The theft occurred round 4:30 a.m. on August 8 in entrance of Taurus Safety Shutters’ showroom at 5906 West Roosevelt Highway, in accordance with proprietor Kurt Lamothe. The corporate has been serving Chicago for greater than 20 years.
“We’d wish to share our footage and expertise to assist your readers perceive the scope of the issue and the necessity for vigilance,” Lamothe mentioned, including he was struck by the “boldness” of the thieves.
Within the video, a small darkish car makes a U-turn and parks instantly in entrance of the corporate’s van. Two males get out, with the driving force carrying a yellow Sawzall-style device.
Whereas the passenger stands lookout, the driving force slides beneath the work van, and the loud noise of the noticed will be heard slicing via the car’s underbelly. Lower than a minute later, the passenger picks the catalytic converter up from the gutter and tosses it into the again seat of the pair’s sedan.
Lamothe has not but acquired an estimate for the damages as a result of the restore store they visited didn’t have the half in inventory. Catalytic converters for passenger autos usually price over $1,000 to restore.
Catalytic converter thefts stay a persistent situation throughout Chicago, with thieves drawn to the dear metals inside. The crimes can take lower than two minutes to commit and sometimes price victims 1000’s of {dollars} in repairs.
FAST FACTS: Catalytic Converter Thefts
- What it’s: A tool in your car’s exhaust system that reduces poisonous emissions.
- Why it’s stolen: It accommodates valuable metals price lots of to 1000’s of {dollars} per ounce, together with platinum, palladium, and rhodium.
- The way it’s stolen: Thieves use battery-powered saws to chop it free in 1–2 minutes.
- Price to switch: Usually $1,000–$3,000, plus potential weeks-long delays for components.
- Prevention ideas: Park in well-lit areas, set up anti-theft shields, engrave VIN on the converter, or preserve autos in a storage.
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