Catalytic Converter Thefts Come To Crown Heights

by CrownHeights.info

A problematic theft has made its way into Crown Heights, with the first report of a Catalytic Converter theft taking place this week in Crown Heights.

The lucrative crime involves cutting off a cars catalytic converter, worth in some cars between $500 and $700 dollars, from the exhaust pipe, and selling the item for it’s internal precious metals to a scrap yard. The thieves are also incredible hard to catch, as the entire process of cutting off the converter takes less than 30 seconds.

The thefts of the catalytic converters have plagued European cities for years, with a dramatic increase seen in US cities across the nation. The thieves make scores by the dozens, with crews stealing nearly sixty of them in a London suburb in a single night.

The first reported theft in Crown Heights came with a twist though, after a witness to the crime called 911 as the crime was being committed.

The police showed up just as the thieves were making off with their prize, and shockingly declined to pursue the thieves, according to the witness.

The theft may well begin a new era of lucrative crime throughout New York City, one that will be incredibly difficult for the NYPD to stop.