HOPATCONG BOROUGH, NJ (Sussex County) – Hopatcong police are investigating several catalytic converter thefts that happened in town last month.
The thefts occurred during the early morning hours on October 27 in the area of Squire Road and Tulsa Trail, with an additional theft in the area of Fordham Trail, police said.
According to police, the suspects surveilled the area before returning to commit the thefts. The suspects were operating a dark-colored, suspected high-end SUV.
Police are asking any resident who may have security cameras in the targeted areas to review your footage for any suspicious activity on October 27 between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.
Anyone with information, is urged to contact the Hopatcong Borough Police Department at 973-398-5000.
Catalytic converters are a part of the exhaust system; they are located on the underside of a vehicle and can be accessed easily using a simple jack.
Information regarding catalytic converter thefts from Hopatcong police:
- Most of the thefts happen at night.
- The removal can take as little as 30 seconds to complete.
- The most common way to steal one is by utilizing a reciprocating saw, commonly known as a sawzall.
- Individuals cut the catalytic converter from the exhaust system while under the vehicle.
- They will prop the vehicle up using a floor jack, cut the pipe leader to the converter, and once removed, lower the vehicle back down.
“The sound of the sawzall on the exhaust pipe can be heard from several homes away. If you hear a suspicious noise, especially in the middle of the night, contact the police department immediately. Please provide as much information as possible, such as, noise direction, suspicious vehicles, or vehicles leaving the area during or after the theft,” police said.
“This is, unfortunately, becoming a common theft and any gas or diesel powered vehicle can be a target. Please stay vigilant,” police said.
