Phoenix cops discover 1,200 catalytic converters as thefts soar

PHOENIX -- An Arizona man was facing multiple theft costs Friday after detectives discovered more than 1,200 catalytic converters packed right into a storage unit, a case that highlights a nationwide surge in thefts of the expensive auto elements that play a important position in reducing vehicle emissions.

The discovery adopted a months-long investigation that started with a January tip that somebody was storing stolen catalytic converters in an industrial area near Phoenix Sky Harbor Worldwide Airport.

“We were very surprised on the amount in there,” Phoenix police Det. Adam Popelier said in a police video taken Thursday as officers had been pulling converters from the jam-packed storage locker.

The 48-year-old man who police say was shopping for and promoting the convertors was charged with 40 counts of theft and may face extra costs.

The massive rise in catalytic converters thefts throughout the nation has hit tens of 1000's of car and truck house owners within the pocketbook and pissed off police, who're faced with a crime that takes just minutes to commit and is difficult to unravel even when they discover the stolen parts.

Catalytic converters usually are not imprinted at the factory with serial numbers and stolen converters end up on a black market where they are chopped open for the valuable metals they contain.

Replacing one can price a motorist from $1,000 to $3,000, in keeping with the Nationwide Insurance coverage Crime Bureau, an insurance coverage business group that works to fight insurance fraud and crime. Police say thieves can get from $100 to $150 for every converter.

The insurance group counted simply 3,969 reviews of stolen catalytic converters in 2019, greater than 17,000 in 2020 and more than 52,000 final yr.

Lawmakers across the nation have taken notice, introducing laws designed to make it harder for criminals to unload their loot. In line with the Nationwide Insurance coverage Crime Bureau, 150 bills have been introduced this year in 36 states and enacted in 16 states.

That includes Arizona, where Republican Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill this month that makes possession of a catalytic converter in lots of situations a criminal offense and provides detailed reporting requirements for scrap dealers that purchase legitimate used gadgets. They must mark the item with the donor automobile's serial number and retain it for no less than per week in authentic situation.

Scrap sellers caught with unregistered or stolen converters face a $500 high-quality for the first offense, a $2,000 effective for a second and at the least double that for each additional time they're caught. These possessing or making an attempt to promote a used catalytic converter that do not meet new necessities may face a six-month jail sentence.

Federal laws can be in the works. Indiana Rep. Jim Baird is sponsoring a bill backed by the National Insurance coverage Crime Bureau that may require serial numbers on new units, provide grants for programs to stamp numbers on existing cars and trucks and make it simpler to prosecute thefts.

The insurance group's President and CEO David Glawe known as it a essential step in serving to convey aid to individuals straight impacted by the thefts.

Insurance coverage often doesn't cover a car owner's losses. Somebody carrying just legal responsibility coverage or legal responsibility and collision is on the hook for the full bill. Even with complete coverage, there is a deductible that may be excessive sufficient that it is not worth submitting a claim.

“Lastly, some victims even with coverage could deal with the issue as a mechanical concern and simply pay for it themselves and by no means notify their insurer,” insurance crime bureau spokesperson Tully Lehman said Friday.