SETPA Tracking Down Catalytic Converter Thieves
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - SEPTA police are investigating a new rash of theft from vehicles, particularly those in Lower Montgomery and Bucks counties, and northern Philadelphia.
And it's a rather unique item.
SEPTA Police Chief Tom Nestel says catalytic converters are the new, hot item being removed from vehicles at or near train stations.
"Between August 18th and August 26th, we had six stations hit. Some of them we didn't know about for some period of time."
He says some surveillance work has been done. Police have narrowed down some suspects and are working toward an arrest.
"It's a common item scrapped by folks with drug addiction problem," Nestel says. "Because it's got a significant value, it's easy to unload, easy to steal and a quick turnover for cash."
Nestel says since the investigation began, there have been no further thefts of catalytic converters at SEPTA stations.
