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May 16, 2008 4:09 pm US/Central
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Thieves Stealing Catalytic Converters For Platinum
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 News) ―
Some North Texans are finding their cars have been targeted by thieves and they don't know they're victims until they turn the key to ignition.
When they turn the key, the vehicle starts, but makes a roaring sound more like a racecar. That's because crooks are stealing catalytic converters.
Catalytic converters are pollution control devices that are part of the exhaust system. What makes them so appealing? They contain platinum!
Crooks sell the converters to recyclers for anywhere from $12 to $140. Thieves are getting a meager return in comparison to the cost to victims. Replace and repair costs for a catalytic converter can reach $1300.
The latest victim is a U-Haul Rental vendor in the 2300 block of West Division in Arlington. Thieves cut converters from a dozen trucks there. In all, repairs could cost the vendor up to $6000.
Police say SUV's, minivans and trucks are the preferred vehicles for catalytic converter thieves, because the vehicles sit up higher and make the part easier to get to.
There are some things you can do to try and prevent becoming a victim. Police say if you're catalytic converter is bolted on you can have the bolts welded to ward off crooks.
Drivers are also advised to park their vehicle within earshot of where people will be. If the crooks are using a noisy saw they won't like having people too close when they're doing it.
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