Phoenix cops find 1,200 catalytic converters as thefts soar

PHOENIX -- An Arizona man was going through multiple theft charges Friday after detectives discovered more than 1,200 catalytic converters packed right into a storage unit, a case that highlights a nationwide surge in thefts of the expensive auto elements that play a crucial role 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 area close to Phoenix Sky Harbor Worldwide Airport.

“We have been very surprised at the amount in there,” Phoenix police Det. Adam Popelier stated 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 buying and promoting the convertors was charged with 40 counts of theft and may face extra costs.

The huge rise in catalytic converters thefts across the nation has hit tens of hundreds of car and truck house owners in the pocketbook and frustrated police, who are confronted with against the law that takes just minutes to commit and is troublesome to solve even if they find the stolen components.

Catalytic converters are usually not imprinted on the manufacturing facility with serial numbers and stolen converters find yourself on a black market the place they're chopped open for the precious metals they comprise.

Changing one can price a motorist from $1,000 to $3,000, in keeping with the Nationwide Insurance Crime Bureau, an insurance coverage trade group that works to fight insurance fraud and crime. Police say thieves can get from $100 to $150 for each converter.

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

Lawmakers across the nation have taken notice, introducing laws designed to make it more durable for criminals to unload their loot. In line with the Nationwide Insurance Crime Bureau, 150 payments have been introduced this yr in 36 states and enacted in 16 states.

That features Arizona, the place Republican Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill this month that makes possession of a catalytic converter in many cases against the law and adds detailed reporting necessities for scrap dealers that buy authentic used gadgets. They have to mark the item with the donor vehicle's serial number and retain it for at the least per week in unique condition.

Scrap sellers caught with unregistered or stolen converters face a $500 tremendous for the primary offense, a $2,000 advantageous for a second and not less than double that for each additional 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 in the works. Indiana Rep. Jim Baird is sponsoring a bill backed by the National Insurance coverage Crime Bureau that would require serial numbers on new units, supply grants for programs to stamp numbers on existing cars and trucks and make it easier to prosecute thefts.

The insurance group's President and CEO David Glawe called it a critical step in helping deliver relief to people instantly impacted by the thefts.

Insurance typically doesn't cowl a automotive proprietor's losses. Somebody carrying just legal responsibility protection or legal responsibility and collision is on the hook for the complete bill. Even with complete coverage, there is a deductible that could be excessive enough that it is not value filing a declare.

“Lastly, some victims even with protection might deal with the issue as a mechanical challenge and just pay for it themselves and by no means notify their insurer,” insurance coverage crime bureau spokesperson Tully Lehman stated Friday.