Phoenix cops find 1,200 catalytic converters as thefts soar

PHOENIX -- An Arizona man was facing multiple theft prices Friday after detectives found more than 1,200 catalytic converters packed right into a storage unit, a case that highlights a nationwide surge in thefts of the expensive auto parts that play a essential function in decreasing car emissions.

The discovery followed a months-long investigation that began with a January tip that somebody was storing stolen catalytic converters in an industrial area near Phoenix Sky Harbor Worldwide Airport.

“We have been very surprised at the amount in there,” Phoenix police Det. Adam Popelier said in a police video taken Thursday as officers had been pulling converters from the jam-packed storage locker.

The 48-year-old man who police say was shopping for and selling the convertors was charged with 40 counts of theft and will face additional charges.

The massive rise in catalytic converters thefts across the nation has hit tens of 1000's of automotive and truck house owners within the pocketbook and annoyed police, who are confronted with a crime that takes simply minutes to commit and is tough to solve even when they discover the stolen components.

Catalytic converters aren't imprinted at the factory with serial numbers and stolen converters find yourself on a black market the place they are chopped open for the precious metals they include.

Changing one can price a motorist from $1,000 to $3,000, in accordance with the Nationwide Insurance coverage Crime Bureau, an insurance coverage industry group that works to fight insurance fraud and crime. Police say thieves can get from $100 to $150 for every converter.

The insurance group counted just 3,969 studies of stolen catalytic converters in 2019, greater than 17,000 in 2020 and greater than 52,000 final 12 months.

Lawmakers across the nation have taken discover, introducing legislation designed to make it harder for criminals to unload their loot. In line with the National Insurance Crime Bureau, 150 payments have been introduced this 12 months in 36 states and enacted in 16 states.

That includes Arizona, the place Republican Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill this month that makes possession of a catalytic converter in many cases against the law and provides detailed reporting necessities for scrap dealers that buy reliable used units. They must mark the item with the donor automobile's serial number and retain it for not less than per week in original situation.

Scrap sellers caught with unregistered or stolen converters face a $500 fantastic for the primary offense, a $2,000 superb for a second and at the very least double that for each further time they are caught. Those possessing or trying to sell a used catalytic converter that do not meet new necessities could face a six-month jail sentence.

Federal legislation is also within the works. Indiana Rep. Jim Baird is sponsoring a bill backed by the National Insurance coverage Crime Bureau that may require serial numbers on new gadgets, supply grants for programs to stamp numbers on existing automobiles and vehicles and make it easier to prosecute thefts.

The insurance coverage group's President and CEO David Glawe called it a essential step in helping convey reduction to individuals directly impacted by the thefts.

Insurance usually doesn't cover a automobile proprietor's losses. Somebody carrying simply liability coverage or legal responsibility and collision is on the hook for the full invoice. Even with complete coverage, there's a deductible that could be high enough that it isn't price submitting a declare.

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