A wave of catalytic converter thefts has hit Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs Police Department Spokesman Steve Noblitt said Thursday that a dozen converters have been stolen throughout the city since September.
“These crooks are well prepared and have the skills and proper tools with them to cleanly cut the catalytic converter off the vehicles,” Noblitt said.
Noblitt said that vehicles that sit high off the ground are especially prone to this crime, but all cars parked in publicly-accessible places overnight are at risk.
Catalytic converter theft is not confined to Colorado Springs. In July 2010, the Colorado Information Analysis Center said that two-person teams equipped with electric saws had stolen more than 100 catalytic converters since January 2010.
Noblitt said that catalytic converters contain precious metals including platinum, palladium and rhodium with a value to thieves of up to $200. Citizens should park their vehicles in well lit areas, or areas that are close to public view, said Noblitt.
Police are asking anyone with information about these crimes to call Detective Sgt. Michael Finn at 719-385-2128 or Crime Stoppers at 719-634-STOP.
Kyle Glazier: 303-954-1638 or kglazier@denverpost.com
