Phoenix cops find 1,200 catalytic converters as thefts soar

PHOENIX -- An Arizona man was facing a number of theft prices Friday after detectives found more than 1,200 catalytic converters packed into a storage unit, a case that highlights a nationwide surge in thefts of the pricy auto parts that play a crucial role in lowering car emissions.

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

“We had been very stunned on the amount in there,” Phoenix police Det. Adam Popelier said in a police video taken Thursday as officers had 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 may face additional fees.

The huge 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 confronted with a crime that takes just minutes to commit and is troublesome to resolve even if they find the stolen components.

Catalytic converters aren't imprinted on the manufacturing unit with serial numbers and stolen converters find yourself on a black market the place they are chopped open for the valuable metals they comprise.

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

The insurance group counted just 3,969 reviews of stolen catalytic converters in 2019, more than 17,000 in 2020 and greater than 52,000 final 12 months.

Lawmakers across the nation have taken discover, introducing laws designed to make it more durable for criminals to unload their loot. In response to the National Insurance coverage Crime Bureau, 150 bills have been introduced this year in 36 states and enacted in 16 states.

That features Arizona, the place Republican Gov. Doug Ducey signed a invoice this month that makes possession of a catalytic converter in many cases against the law and adds detailed reporting requirements for scrap sellers that buy official used units. They have to mark the item with the donor car's serial quantity and retain it for no less than per week in authentic situation.

Scrap dealers caught with unregistered or stolen converters face a $500 nice for the primary offense, a $2,000 fine for a second and at the least double that for each further time they are caught. Those possessing or trying to promote a used catalytic converter that do not meet new necessities might face a six-month jail sentence.

Federal laws can be within the works. Indiana Rep. Jim Baird is sponsoring a invoice backed by the National Insurance Crime Bureau that may require serial numbers on new gadgets, supply grants for packages to stamp numbers on present automobiles and trucks and make it simpler to prosecute thefts.

The insurance group's President and CEO David Glawe called it a vital step in helping carry reduction to folks straight impacted by the thefts.

Insurance usually does not cover a automotive proprietor's losses. Somebody carrying just legal responsibility coverage or legal responsibility and collision is on the hook for the total bill. Even with comprehensive protection, there is a deductible that could be excessive sufficient that it is not worth filing a claim.

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