Phoenix cops discover 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 into a storage unit, a case that highlights a nationwide surge in thefts of the expensive auto components that play a critical function in lowering car emissions.

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

“We have been very stunned on the amount in there,” Phoenix police Det. Adam Popelier stated 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 promoting the convertors was charged with 40 counts of theft and may face further expenses.

The huge rise in catalytic converters thefts throughout the nation has hit tens of 1000's of automotive and truck homeowners in the pocketbook and pissed off police, who are faced with a criminal offense that takes just minutes to commit and is difficult to solve even if they find the stolen parts.

Catalytic converters aren't imprinted at the factory with serial numbers and stolen converters end up on a black market where they are chopped open for the valuable metals they contain.

Changing one can value a motorist from $1,000 to $3,000, in response to the National Insurance coverage Crime Bureau, an insurance coverage trade group that works to combat insurance coverage fraud and crime. Police say thieves can get from $100 to $150 for each converter.

The insurance coverage group counted just 3,969 reviews of stolen catalytic converters in 2019, greater than 17,000 in 2020 and greater than 52,000 last yr.

Lawmakers throughout the nation have taken discover, introducing laws designed to make it tougher for criminals to unload their loot. In keeping with the Nationwide Insurance Crime Bureau, 150 bills have been launched this year in 36 states and enacted in 16 states.

That features Arizona, the place Republican Gov. Doug Ducey signed a invoice this month that makes possession of a catalytic converter in many situations against the law and provides detailed reporting requirements for scrap dealers that purchase authentic used gadgets. They have to mark the merchandise with the donor car's serial quantity and retain it for not less than per week in original situation.

Scrap dealers caught with unregistered or stolen converters face a $500 positive for the primary offense, a $2,000 fantastic for a second and not less than double that for every further time they are caught. Those possessing or trying to sell a used catalytic converter that don't meet new necessities may face a six-month jail sentence.

Federal legislation can also be within the works. Indiana Rep. Jim Baird is sponsoring a invoice backed by the National Insurance Crime Bureau that might require serial numbers on new devices, provide grants for programs to stamp numbers on present vehicles and vans and make it easier to prosecute thefts.

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

Insurance usually doesn't cowl a automobile owner's losses. Someone carrying just liability protection or liability and collision is on the hook for the full invoice. Even with complete coverage, there's a deductible that could be excessive sufficient that it isn't value filing a claim.

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