CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFTS ON THE RISE IN SEALY
The Sealy Police Department is warning the public after an increase in stolen catalytic converters.
According to Sealy Police Detective Jason Manies, the department has received reports of five catalytic converter thefts between December 22nd and Wednesday. The thefts have occurred around the city and are not isolated to a particular area.
Catalytic converters are vehicle exhaust control devices that contain valuable metals and components. Manies said they are sought after because they can be easily removed from underneath vehicles and can be worth hundreds of dollars at scrap yards, recycling centers or underground markets.
Manies said residents can protect their vehicles by parking them in well-lit areas or a garage. They can also etch their license plate number onto the catalytic converter. In addition, there are numerous aftermarket products that can be bought and installed over the catalytic converter to make it more difficult to be removed.