LITITZ, Pa. — Police in Lancaster County are investigating a series of recent catalytic converter thefts.
Since last November, Lititz Borough Police have received 12 reports of such thefts, with damages totaling nearly $13,000, the police department said.
The thefts usually occur in the early morning hours, between 4 am and 5 a.m. and all of the thefts have taken place on Swarthmore Drive, Laurel Avenue, East New Street, East Front Street, North Locust Street, and South Broad Street, according to police.
The criminals appear to be targeting specific vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius, Mitsubishi Outlander, and any Honda model, police said. All of the thefts involved multiple vehicles parked in close proximity to each other.
According to Vox.com, thieves typically target catalytic converters because they are rich in valuable metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium that can easily be recycled. A stolen catalytic converter can net a thief a few hundred dollars.
Thieves also target the converters because they can be removed from a vehicle in as little as 90 seconds, Vox said.
Police are asking anyone who observes suspicious activity to immediately call 911 or the police department directly at (717) 664-1180.
The department also shared the following tips for residents to keep their vehicles safe:
- Be a good neighbor. Get to know your neighbors and report any unusual activities or people that you notice.
- If possible, park your vehicle in a garage or other secure area.
- If you must park on the street, try to park in a well-lit area.
- Please call PP&L or our office if there are any street lights out in your area.
- Use motion lighting and/or cameras to capture activity around your vehicle.
- Activate your vehicle alarm system.
- Install an aftermarket device that makes it harder for thieves to remove the exhaust system component from your vehicle.
- Have your VIN etched into the converter or purchase a DIY etching kit.
Anyone with information about who is responsible for these crimes is asked to contact the department at (717) 626-6393 or submit a tip online.
