MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – Catalytic converter thefts are an ongoing problem in New Jersey and around the country.
Over the last several weeks Mount Olive Township has experienced thefts of catalytic converters from residents’ vehicles, police said.
Catalytic converters are part of an automobile’s exhaust system and can have a high resale value. They are stolen due to the value of the precious metals found inside, platinum, palladium and rhodium, police said.
The suspect(s) have been approaching unoccupied vehicles during the nighttime hours and cutting catalytic converters out from underneath, using various hand tools. The suspect(s) typically leave the scene shortly thereafter, police said.
Vehicle owners can deter potential thefts by parking their vehicles in well-lit areas or by motion activated floodlights and utilizing security cameras is also an effective deterrent, police said.
Vehicles should be parked within the security camera’s field of view and obstructions removed (i.e., trimming or removing shrubbery), police said.
The Mount Olive Township Police Department reminds residents not to confront individuals engaging in the theft and should contact the police department by calling 9-1-1.
Anyone with questions or has information that maybe of investigative assistance, contact the Mount Olive Township Police Department Communications Center at 973-691-0850.
