Phoenix cops discover 1,200 catalytic converters as thefts soar

PHOENIX -- An Arizona man was facing a number of theft expenses Friday after detectives found more than 1,200 catalytic converters packed right into a storage unit, a case that highlights a national surge in thefts of the expensive auto parts that play a important function in lowering automobile emissions.

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

“We were very surprised at the amount 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 buying and selling the convertors was charged with 40 counts of theft and will face additional expenses.

The large rise in catalytic converters thefts across the nation has hit tens of 1000's of car and truck house owners within the pocketbook and frustrated police, who are confronted with a criminal offense that takes simply minutes to commit and is tough to resolve even if they find the stolen components.

Catalytic converters usually are not imprinted at the manufacturing facility 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 cost a motorist from $1,000 to $3,000, in keeping with the Nationwide Insurance coverage Crime Bureau, an insurance coverage industry group that works to combat insurance fraud and crime. Police say thieves can get from $100 to $150 for each converter.

The insurance coverage group counted just 3,969 experiences of stolen catalytic converters in 2019, greater than 17,000 in 2020 and more than 52,000 final year.

Lawmakers across the nation have taken discover, introducing legislation designed to make it tougher for criminals to unload their loot. Based on the Nationwide Insurance Crime Bureau, 150 bills have been launched this 12 months 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 instances a criminal offense and adds detailed reporting requirements for scrap sellers that purchase legitimate used devices. They must mark the item with the donor automobile's serial number and retain it for a minimum of per week in original situation.

Scrap sellers caught with unregistered or stolen converters face a $500 advantageous for the first offense, a $2,000 effective for a second and at least double that for each additional time they're caught. Those possessing or trying to promote a used catalytic converter that don't meet new requirements might face a six-month jail sentence.

Federal legislation is also in the works. Indiana Rep. Jim Baird is sponsoring a invoice backed by the National Insurance Crime Bureau that will require serial numbers on new units, provide grants for programs to stamp numbers on existing cars and trucks and make it easier to prosecute thefts.

The insurance coverage group's President and CEO David Glawe known as it a important step in helping bring reduction to individuals directly impacted by the thefts.

Insurance coverage often doesn't cover a car proprietor's losses. Someone carrying just legal responsibility coverage or liability and collision is on the hook for the total invoice. Even with comprehensive protection, there's a deductible that could be high enough that it's not worth filing a claim.

“Lastly, some victims even with protection may deal with the problem as a mechanical issue and simply pay for it themselves and never notify their insurer,” insurance crime bureau spokesperson Tully Lehman stated Friday.