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FRAMINGHAM – Three businesses had a total of five catalytic converters stolen from their vehicles Tuesday, May 10, according to Framingham Police.
Three different businesses reported catalytic converter thefts on Tuesday morning.
Two catalytic convertors were stolen from two vans parked at 92 Blandin Avenue, said police.
A catalytic convertor was cut from a delivery van overnight parked at 119 Waverley Street, said police.
The catalytic convertor was cut off of two box trucks sometime overnight at 279 Worcester Road, said police.
Framingham Police have no suspect at this time, said it spokesperson.
“I know they are trying to canvas these areas for information on these thefts,”said Lt. Rachel Mickens.
If you see/hear anything suspicious or have any information please contact the Framingham Police Department 508-872-1212.
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There has been an increase in catalytic converter thefts in Framingham this year, but the City is not alone.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau has the a 325% increase in thefts from 2019 to 2020.
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.
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.
While you can drive a vehicle without the catalytic converter, it is not recommended.
And the removal of either the front or rear catalytic converters will cause your vehicle to fail the emissions test. As a result, you will be unable to get your registration renewed until the vehicle’s emissions system is restored.
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Owners usually learn they’ve been a victim when they start their car and hear a loud roar.
Skilled thieves armed with a wrench or cordless saw can steal a converter in less than 3 minutes.
According to the NICB, trucks are popular targets because the converters are easier to access.
The Toyota Prius is popular, as well, because they generally have two converters.
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