Phoenix cops discover 1,200 catalytic converters as thefts soar

PHOENIX -- An Arizona man was dealing with a number of theft costs Friday after detectives discovered 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 elements that play a essential function in decreasing vehicle emissions.

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

“We have been very surprised on 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 shopping for and promoting the convertors was charged with 40 counts of theft and may face further prices.

The huge rise in catalytic converters thefts throughout the nation has hit tens of hundreds of automotive and truck house owners in the pocketbook and frustrated police, who're faced with against the law that takes simply minutes to commit and is troublesome to unravel even if they discover the stolen components.

Catalytic converters usually are not imprinted at the manufacturing facility with serial numbers and stolen converters find yourself on a black market the place they are chopped open for the dear metals they comprise.

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

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

Lawmakers across the nation have taken notice, introducing legislation designed to make it harder for criminals to unload their loot. In keeping with the Nationwide Insurance coverage Crime Bureau, 150 payments have been introduced this year in 36 states and enacted in 16 states.

That features Arizona, the place Republican Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill this month that makes possession of a catalytic converter in lots of cases a crime and adds detailed reporting requirements for scrap dealers that buy reliable used units. They have to mark the item with the donor vehicle's serial number and retain it for at the very least a week in authentic condition.

Scrap dealers caught with unregistered or stolen converters face a $500 nice for the first offense, a $2,000 effective for a second and no less than double that for each extra time they are caught. These possessing or attempting to sell a used catalytic converter that do not meet new necessities could face a six-month jail sentence.

Federal legislation can be within the works. Indiana Rep. Jim Baird is sponsoring a bill backed by the Nationwide Insurance Crime Bureau that might require serial numbers on new units, offer grants for packages to stamp numbers on current cars and vehicles and make it easier to prosecute thefts.

The insurance coverage group's President and CEO David Glawe called it a important step in serving to bring aid to individuals directly impacted by the thefts.

Insurance coverage usually does not cover a car proprietor's losses. Someone carrying just liability coverage or legal responsibility and collision is on the hook for the complete invoice. Even with comprehensive protection, there is a deductible which may be excessive sufficient that it is not worth submitting a claim.

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