Phoenix cops find 1,200 catalytic converters as thefts soar

PHOENIX -- An Arizona man was going through a number of theft costs Friday after detectives discovered greater than 1,200 catalytic converters packed right into a storage unit, a case that highlights a nationwide surge in thefts of the pricy auto components that play a critical role in reducing automobile emissions.

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

“We have been very stunned at the amount in there,” Phoenix police Det. Adam Popelier mentioned in a police video taken Thursday as officers were 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 should face extra charges.

The massive rise in catalytic converters thefts throughout the nation has hit tens of 1000's of automotive and truck owners within the pocketbook and pissed off police, who're confronted with against the law that takes just minutes to commit and is tough to solve even when they discover the stolen components.

Catalytic converters aren't imprinted on the factory with serial numbers and stolen converters end up on a black market the place they're chopped open for the valuable metals they comprise.

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

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

Lawmakers throughout the nation have taken notice, introducing legislation designed to make it tougher for criminals to unload their loot. In line with the National Insurance coverage Crime Bureau, 150 payments have been launched this yr 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 instances a crime and provides detailed reporting requirements for scrap sellers that purchase legitimate used devices. They have to mark the merchandise with the donor vehicle's serial number and retain it for at the least per week in unique situation.

Scrap dealers caught with unregistered or stolen converters face a $500 high quality for the primary offense, a $2,000 high quality for a second and not less than double that for every further time they're caught. Those possessing or making an attempt to promote a used catalytic converter that don't meet new requirements may face a six-month jail sentence.

Federal legislation can also be within the works. Indiana Rep. Jim Baird is sponsoring a invoice backed by the Nationwide Insurance Crime Bureau that might require serial numbers on new devices, provide grants for programs to stamp numbers on current vehicles and vans and make it simpler to prosecute thefts.

The insurance coverage group's President and CEO David Glawe known as it a vital step in helping convey relief to individuals straight impacted by the thefts.

Insurance typically doesn't cover a car proprietor's losses. Somebody carrying just liability protection or liability and collision is on the hook for the complete invoice. Even with comprehensive coverage, there's a deductible which may be excessive sufficient that it's not value filing a claim.

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