Phoenix cops discover 1,200 catalytic converters as thefts soar

PHOENIX -- An Arizona man was dealing with a number of theft charges Friday after detectives discovered more than 1,200 catalytic converters packed right into a storage unit, a case that highlights a nationwide surge in thefts of the expensive auto parts that play a crucial function in reducing automobile emissions.

The discovery followed a months-long investigation that began with a January tip that somebody was storing stolen catalytic converters in an industrial space near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

“We have been very stunned on the quantity 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 further expenses.

The massive rise in catalytic converters thefts across the nation has hit tens of hundreds of automobile and truck owners in the pocketbook and pissed off 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 parts.

Catalytic converters aren't imprinted at the manufacturing facility with serial numbers and stolen converters find yourself on a black market where they are chopped open for the precious metals they include.

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

The insurance group counted just 3,969 studies 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 laws designed to make it harder for criminals to unload their loot. In response to the Nationwide Insurance coverage Crime Bureau, 150 payments have been introduced this yr in 36 states and enacted in 16 states.

That includes Arizona, where Republican Gov. Doug Ducey signed a invoice this month that makes possession of a catalytic converter in lots of instances against the law and adds detailed reporting requirements for scrap sellers that buy legit used devices. They have to mark the merchandise with the donor automobile's serial quantity and retain it for not less than every week in unique situation.

Scrap dealers caught with unregistered or stolen converters face a $500 fine for the primary offense, a $2,000 advantageous for a second and at the least double that for every extra time they are caught. These possessing or making an attempt to promote a used catalytic converter that do not 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 National Insurance coverage Crime Bureau that will require serial numbers on new units, provide grants for packages to stamp numbers on current vehicles and trucks and make it easier to prosecute thefts.

The insurance group's President and CEO David Glawe called it a crucial step in serving to carry aid to individuals straight impacted by the thefts.

Insurance coverage typically does not cover a automobile proprietor's losses. Someone carrying just legal responsibility protection or liability and collision is on the hook for the full bill. Even with complete protection, there's a deductible that could be high sufficient that it is not worth filing a declare.

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