Phoenix cops find 1,200 catalytic converters as thefts soar

PHOENIX -- An Arizona man was facing a number of theft charges Friday after detectives discovered more than 1,200 catalytic converters packed right into a storage unit, a case that highlights a nationwide surge in thefts of the pricy auto parts that play a essential role in reducing car emissions.

The discovery adopted a months-long investigation that started with a January tip that somebody was storing stolen catalytic converters in an industrial space near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

“We have been very surprised at the quantity in there,” Phoenix police Det. Adam Popelier said in a police video taken Thursday as officers have 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 may face further expenses.

The large rise in catalytic converters thefts throughout the nation has hit tens of 1000's of automotive and truck owners within the pocketbook and frustrated police, who are confronted with a criminal offense that takes just minutes to commit and is difficult to resolve even when they discover the stolen parts.

Catalytic converters will not be imprinted on the manufacturing facility with serial numbers and stolen converters end up on a black market the place they are chopped open for the precious metals they include.

Changing one can value a motorist from $1,000 to $3,000, based on the Nationwide Insurance 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 coverage group counted just 3,969 reviews of stolen catalytic converters in 2019, more than 17,000 in 2020 and more than 52,000 last year.

Lawmakers across the nation have taken discover, introducing legislation designed to make it more durable for criminals to unload their loot. In response to the National Insurance coverage Crime Bureau, 150 payments have been introduced this yr 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 adds detailed reporting necessities for scrap dealers that buy legitimate used devices. They need to mark the merchandise with the donor car's serial number and retain it for at the least per week in unique situation.

Scrap sellers caught with unregistered or stolen converters face a $500 superb for the primary offense, a $2,000 superb for a second and no less than double that for every additional time they're caught. Those possessing or trying to sell a used catalytic converter that do not meet new necessities might face a six-month jail sentence.

Federal legislation is also within the works. Indiana Rep. Jim Baird is sponsoring a invoice backed by the Nationwide Insurance Crime Bureau that will require serial numbers on new units, offer grants for packages to stamp numbers on present vehicles and vehicles and make it simpler to prosecute thefts.

The insurance coverage group's President and CEO David Glawe known as it a critical step in serving to convey aid to individuals straight impacted by the thefts.

Insurance coverage often doesn't cowl a automobile owner's losses. Somebody carrying simply liability coverage or liability and collision is on the hook for the full bill. Even with comprehensive coverage, there is a deductible that could be high sufficient that it's not value filing a declare.

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