Catalytic converter thieves strike twice

A thief steals a catalytic converter from a box truck at Yohe Plumbing in Augusta.
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Police are reviewing surveillance tape and asking the public for help in identifying two men responsible for a rash of catalytic converter thefts this year.

The latest thefts happened Sunday night, when the men cut $3,500 worth of the parts from underneath vehicles parked at Yohe Plumbing on Franke Industrial Boulevard, then moved on to Flower's Bakery, where they removed four more, according to authorities.

Catalytic converters reduce the toxicity of vehicle emissions through a chemical reaction involving several precious metals, including platinum.

It's the mix of precious metals that makes the parts especially valuable to thieves, said Investigator Kendall Brown, of the Richmond County sheriff's Copper/Metal Task Force.

But as the country's economy has worsened, the prices for the metals have dropped.

The real money is made when thieves steal the convertors and resell them in states with stricter environmental standards.

"That's why they come down south," Investigator Brown said. Recycling centers might offer $20 to $40 for a catalytic converter in the South, he said, "and thieves can sell it in the streets of New York for $400."

Investigator Brown said the thefts are similar to several incidents that occurred in April and June.

At that time, converters were stolen from several rental car businesses and auto stores.

"I never get too many reports of catalytic converter thefts, but when they do come in they come in bulk," he said. "Here we go again."

Up to $1,000 is being offered by Yohe Plumbing for information leading to the arrest of any suspects in the case.

Anyone with information can call Investigator Brown at (706) 821-1076.

Reach Adam Folk at (706) 823-3339 or adam.folk@augustachronicle.com.

Comments

DoubleD

I thought this was a clip of a living dead movie the way that [filtered word] walks like Neatdrithal Man. I see they were hard at work that night. Why don't they try working hard legally? I'm sure his days are numbered, ask Elmo.

happythoughts

If they are caught, someone needs to ram a converter up their [filtered word].

disssman

Kinda looks like one of the KIDS (droopy draggy drawers) in the neighborhood. You know the one driving around (without a job) serenading us with baboom, baboom, baboom, baboom, baboom. Man I'll bet his mama is really proud of his success in life. I'll also bet if he is caught by someone like me and shot, his mama will be soooo upset and say things like he didn't deserve that, or he was a good daddy to his six different children, or some other non sense. I say shoot on sight, anyone caught damaging or taking anyones property.

j8900

After recently falling victim to converter thief’s twice I decided to try the Catclamp. So far it seems to be going well, two months in the park and ride and others have been stolen but not mine. For now I can sleep soundly knowing that my 4 Runner is safe from these idiots.

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