FRAMINGHAM – A catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle on Wednesday, September 21.
The theft was reported at 12:30 p.m.
“Suspect Information we have is dark skin male, purple shirt and dark skin male, dark clothing operating white Mercedes,” said Framingham Police Lt. Rachel Mickens.
The suspect has not been identified, said Framingham Police.
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The incident happened at 1323 Worcester Road.
A SOURCE Reader sent a short video and a photo.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported a 325% increase in thefts from 2019 to 2020, nationwide, and the thefts have continued in 2021, and 2022.
A catalytic converter is a tool installed on every car, be it diesel or gasoline. The converter is a catalyst located in the exhaust channel that works to filter hydrocarbons and other pollutants as waste products of engine combustion.
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The converter auto part contains platinum, palladium or rhodium.
On the black market, those metals can mean $100 to $250 for every converter stolen.
But for the owners of the vehicles, the replacement can be even more expensive.
Parts & labor can be $1,000 to more than $2,000 to replace and install a new converter.
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MetroWest Medical Center 
Chestnut Hill Realty 
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