DENVER - Thieves are targeting catalytic converters on vehicles in metro Denver right now. The reasons are simple. They contain precious metals including platinum, palladium, and rhodium, and they're easily accessible on the underside of vehicles.
Thefts have been reported at places like RTD park-n-ride parking lots. Seventeen such thefts have been reported in Aurora, and six more in Thornton. The criminals can get up to $300 for the stolen catalytic converters.
The problem is especially common among late-model Toyota trucks and SUVs, due to their high ground clearance and easily-removed bolt-on catalytic converters. Welded-in converters are also at risk of theft from SUVs and trucks, since they can also be easily removed.
It's a big problem for car owners because theft removal of the converter can damage the car's wiring or fuel line. There's also the cost of replacing the catalytic converter which runs into several hundred dollars.
Increases in metal costs in the United States during recent years have led to a large increase in theft incidents of the converter.
Thefts have been reported at places like RTD park-n-ride parking lots. Seventeen such thefts have been reported in Aurora, and six more in Thornton. The criminals can get up to $300 for the stolen catalytic converters.
The problem is especially common among late-model Toyota trucks and SUVs, due to their high ground clearance and easily-removed bolt-on catalytic converters. Welded-in converters are also at risk of theft from SUVs and trucks, since they can also be easily removed.
It's a big problem for car owners because theft removal of the converter can damage the car's wiring or fuel line. There's also the cost of replacing the catalytic converter which runs into several hundred dollars.
Increases in metal costs in the United States during recent years have led to a large increase in theft incidents of the converter.
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