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Catalytic converters stolen

JANESVILLE — Technology and the lagging economy have driven criminals to a new cash source, Janesville police Deputy Chief Dave Moore said.

Thieves took 29 catalytic converters Tuesday night from Harms Kia, 2627 Morse Drive, Janesville, according to police reports.

That’s the biggest—but the second—theft of its kind in Janesville.

On July 3, police reported six converters stolen from Hesser Toyota, 2009 Milton Ave., Janesville. Those were stolen between June 23 and July 3, according to police reports.

Catalytic converters are part of a car’s exhaust system and work to reduce emissions. Removing them is not difficult with the right tools, Capt. Dan Davis said.

Police have seen reports on this new national trend, but this is the first they’ve seen it locally, Davis said.

The theft is an example of how technology and the economy can change the nature of crime, Moore said.

Today’s high tech converters are worth a chunk of change at recycling centers, Moore said. Metal scrappers can get $120 to $200 for the converters, he said.

The precious metals platinum, rhodium and palladium boost the cost at recycling centers, Moore said. Police have reported the crime to recycling centers as far as Madison, Milwaukee and South Beloit, Ill., Davis said.

Dealerships have to pay between $1,600 and $2,000 to replace the converters, Moore said. The two dealerships reported the value of the converters as $36,600.

Anyone with information about the crime should call police at (608) 755-3100 or CrimeStoppers at (608) 756-3636.