Phoenix cops find 1,200 catalytic converters as thefts soar

PHOENIX -- An Arizona man was facing a number of theft fees Friday after detectives found greater than 1,200 catalytic converters packed into a storage unit, a case that highlights a national surge in thefts of the pricy auto components that play a essential position in decreasing vehicle emissions.

The invention followed a months-long investigation that started with a January tip that somebody was storing stolen catalytic converters in an industrial space near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

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

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

The huge rise in catalytic converters thefts across the nation has hit tens of thousands of automotive and truck house owners in the pocketbook and annoyed police, who are confronted with a criminal offense that takes just minutes to commit and is tough to resolve even if they discover the stolen parts.

Catalytic converters aren't imprinted on the manufacturing unit with serial numbers and stolen converters find yourself on a black market where they're chopped open for the precious metals they contain.

Changing one can value a motorist from $1,000 to $3,000, based on the National Insurance Crime Bureau, an insurance industry group that works to fight insurance fraud and crime. Police say thieves can get from $100 to $150 for each converter.

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

Lawmakers throughout the nation have taken notice, introducing legislation designed to make it more durable for criminals to unload their loot. In keeping with the National Insurance coverage Crime Bureau, 150 payments have been introduced this year in 36 states and enacted in 16 states.

That includes Arizona, where Republican Gov. Doug Ducey signed a invoice this month that makes possession of a catalytic converter in many instances a crime and adds detailed reporting necessities for scrap dealers that buy respectable used gadgets. They need to mark the merchandise with the donor vehicle's serial number and retain it for at the very least every week in unique situation.

Scrap sellers caught with unregistered or stolen converters face a $500 advantageous for the primary offense, a $2,000 wonderful for a second and at the very least double that for each additional time they are caught. Those possessing or attempting to promote a used catalytic converter that do not meet new necessities could face a six-month jail sentence.

Federal legislation can also be in the works. Indiana Rep. Jim Baird is sponsoring a invoice backed by the Nationwide Insurance Crime Bureau that will require serial numbers on new units, provide grants for packages to stamp numbers on present automobiles and vehicles and make it easier to prosecute thefts.

The insurance group's President and CEO David Glawe called it a crucial step in helping deliver relief to individuals instantly impacted by the thefts.

Insurance typically does not cover a automobile proprietor's losses. Someone carrying just liability protection or liability and collision is on the hook for the complete bill. Even with complete coverage, there is a deductible which may be excessive enough that it's not value submitting a claim.

“Lastly, some victims even with coverage may deal with the issue as a mechanical challenge and simply pay for it themselves and never notify their insurer,” insurance crime bureau spokesperson Tully Lehman said Friday.