Phoenix cops find 1,200 catalytic converters as thefts soar

PHOENIX -- An Arizona man was dealing with a number of theft charges 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 expensive auto components that play a vital position in reducing vehicle emissions.

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

“We have been very shocked on the quantity 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 buying and selling the convertors was charged with 40 counts of theft and may face further fees.

The huge rise in catalytic converters thefts throughout the nation has hit tens of 1000's of automotive and truck homeowners in the pocketbook and annoyed police, who're confronted with a crime that takes just minutes to commit and is troublesome to resolve even if they find the stolen elements.

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

Replacing one can value a motorist from $1,000 to $3,000, according to the Nationwide Insurance Crime Bureau, an insurance coverage industry group that works to combat insurance fraud and crime. Police say thieves can get from $100 to $150 for every converter.

The insurance group counted just 3,969 reports of stolen catalytic converters in 2019, greater than 17,000 in 2020 and more than 52,000 final 12 months.

Lawmakers throughout the nation have taken discover, introducing laws designed to make it tougher for criminals to unload their loot. In keeping with the National Insurance Crime Bureau, 150 bills have been launched this yr 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 lots of situations a criminal offense and provides detailed reporting necessities for scrap sellers that purchase reliable used gadgets. They need to mark the merchandise with the donor vehicle's serial quantity and retain it for at the least a week in unique condition.

Scrap sellers caught with unregistered or stolen converters face a $500 advantageous for the primary offense, a $2,000 fantastic for a second and no less than double that for every extra time they are 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 legislation is also in the works. Indiana Rep. Jim Baird is sponsoring a bill backed by the National Insurance Crime Bureau that may require serial numbers on new devices, provide grants for packages to stamp numbers on present automobiles and trucks and make it easier to prosecute thefts.

The insurance coverage group's President and CEO David Glawe known as it a important step in helping bring reduction to individuals instantly impacted by the thefts.

Insurance coverage usually doesn't cowl a car owner's losses. Somebody carrying just liability coverage or legal responsibility and collision is on the hook for the total invoice. Even with comprehensive protection, there is a deductible that could be high sufficient that it's not worth submitting a claim.

“Lastly, some victims even with coverage might deal with the problem as a mechanical problem and just pay for it themselves and never notify their insurer,” insurance crime bureau spokesperson Tully Lehman stated Friday.