Thieves Steal Catalytic Converters From Framingham School Parking Lot

FRAMINGHAM – Students had the day off from school on Friday, October 7, but teachers and staff had a professional development day.

Just after 12:30 p.m. Framingham Police began receiving reports of vandalism at Fuller Middle School at Flagg Drive.

In total, four reports were made, based on the public police log.

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At least two catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles parked at the Fuller Middle School lot, said the police spokesperson.

A possible suspect was seen in a gray Nissan Rogue leaving the lot, said Framingham Police spokesperson Lt. Rachel Mickens Possible suspect vehicle is a gray Nissan Rogue seen leaving the lot. 

No suspects have been identified, said the police spokesperson on Tuesday, October 11.

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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.

The converter auto part contains platinum, palladium or rhodium.

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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.

Thieves can steal a converter in minutes.

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