Phoenix cops find 1,200 catalytic converters as thefts soar

PHOENIX -- An Arizona man was dealing with multiple theft prices Friday after detectives discovered greater than 1,200 catalytic converters packed into a storage unit, a case that highlights a nationwide surge in thefts of the pricy auto components that play a critical function in decreasing automobile emissions.

The invention followed a months-long investigation that began with a January tip that someone was storing stolen catalytic converters in an industrial space close to Phoenix Sky Harbor Worldwide Airport.

“We have been very stunned at the quantity in there,” Phoenix police Det. Adam Popelier said 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 further costs.

The huge rise in catalytic converters thefts across the nation has hit tens of 1000's of automotive and truck homeowners within the pocketbook and annoyed police, who are faced with a criminal offense that takes simply minutes to commit and is troublesome to resolve even when they discover the stolen components.

Catalytic converters are not imprinted at the factory with serial numbers and stolen converters end up on a black market the place they are chopped open for the dear metals they include.

Replacing one can price a motorist from $1,000 to $3,000, based on the National Insurance coverage Crime Bureau, an insurance industry group that works to fight insurance coverage fraud and crime. Police say thieves can get from $100 to $150 for each converter.

The insurance group counted simply 3,969 experiences of stolen catalytic converters in 2019, more than 17,000 in 2020 and more than 52,000 last 12 months.

Lawmakers across the nation have taken notice, introducing legislation designed to make it more durable for criminals to unload their loot. Based on the Nationwide Insurance coverage Crime Bureau, 150 bills have been introduced this yr in 36 states and enacted in 16 states.

That includes Arizona, where Republican Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill this month that makes possession of a catalytic converter in lots of cases a criminal offense and adds detailed reporting requirements for scrap dealers that purchase authentic used devices. They have to mark the merchandise with the donor vehicle's serial quantity and retain it for no less than per week in original condition.

Scrap sellers caught with unregistered or stolen converters face a $500 nice for the first offense, a $2,000 fine for a second and a minimum of double that for every extra time they're caught. Those possessing or making an attempt to promote a used catalytic converter that do not meet new necessities could face a six-month jail sentence.

Federal laws can be in the works. Indiana Rep. Jim Baird is sponsoring a invoice backed by the Nationwide Insurance Crime Bureau that would require serial numbers on new units, offer grants for programs to stamp numbers on current cars and trucks and make it easier to prosecute thefts.

The insurance group's President and CEO David Glawe known as it a vital step in helping convey relief to individuals instantly impacted by the thefts.

Insurance typically doesn't cover a automotive owner's losses. Someone carrying just legal responsibility protection or legal responsibility and collision is on the hook for the complete bill. Even with comprehensive protection, there's a deductible that may be high enough that it is not price filing a declare.

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