Seward Police are looking for the person or people responsible for stealing catalytic converters off eight vehicles in south Seward on or about April 23.
The thefts were reported April 24 from two different businesses on Fletcher and Progressive roads.
“Catalytic converters contain precious metals, like platinum and other precious metals that junk yards are willing to give a lot of money for right now,” SPD Officer Bryce Johnson said. “The problem is replacing those can be $4,000 to $7,000 for the victim.”
A catalytic converter changes harmful pollutants, like hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide from fuel emissions, into less harmful gasses, like water vapor or carbon dioxide.
Though a vehicle will still run without one, Johnson said a louder than normal noise upon starting a vehicle can be one clue that the converter is missing.
“Typically, the vehicle will be extra loud because it’s missing part of its muffler,” he said. “The vehicle might throw some codes because of emission issues.”
Evidence has been obtained from the scene of one of the thefts and sent to the state patrol crime lab.
Johnson said drivers can be proactive to help prevent theft of their converters.
“Try to park in a lighted area. If you have surveillance around your residence or place of employment, park your vehicles near that surveillance,” he said.
Good old-fashioned neighborhood watch can help, too.
“Some of these people are using reciprocating saws to cut these off, which makes a lot of noise,” Johnson said.
Residents who hear or see something unusual should call 911 if the suspicious activity is in progress.
If you believe you are a victim of converter theft, contact the Seward Police Department immediately at (402) 643-2579.
Callers with information may remain anonymous by contacting CrimeStoppers at (402) 643-3334.
