Phoenix cops discover 1,200 catalytic converters as thefts soar

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

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

“We have been very stunned on the amount in there,” Phoenix police Det. Adam Popelier mentioned 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 fees.

The large rise in catalytic converters thefts across the nation has hit tens of hundreds of automotive and truck owners within the pocketbook and annoyed police, who are confronted with a criminal offense that takes just minutes to commit and is tough to solve even when they discover the stolen elements.

Catalytic converters are not imprinted at the factory with serial numbers and stolen converters find yourself on a black market where they're chopped open for the valuable metals they include.

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

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

Lawmakers throughout the nation have taken notice, introducing legislation designed to make it tougher for criminals to unload their loot. In keeping with the Nationwide Insurance coverage Crime Bureau, 150 bills have been launched this yr 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 instances against the law and adds detailed reporting necessities for scrap dealers that purchase legit used units. They have to mark the merchandise with the donor vehicle's serial quantity and retain it for at least per week in unique situation.

Scrap dealers caught with unregistered or stolen converters face a $500 high quality for the primary offense, a $2,000 high-quality for a second and a minimum of double that for every extra time they are caught. These possessing or trying to sell a used catalytic converter that don't meet new requirements may face a six-month jail sentence.

Federal legislation can also be within the works. Indiana Rep. Jim Baird is sponsoring a bill backed by the Nationwide Insurance Crime Bureau that may require serial numbers on new gadgets, provide grants for applications to stamp numbers on present automobiles and vehicles and make it simpler to prosecute thefts.

The insurance coverage group's President and CEO David Glawe referred to as it a critical step in serving to convey aid to folks instantly impacted by the thefts.

Insurance often doesn't cowl a automotive owner's losses. Someone carrying just legal responsibility protection or liability and collision is on the hook for the complete invoice. Even with complete coverage, there is a deductible which may be excessive enough that it is not price filing a claim.

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