MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Bradenton Police Department said it is encouraging locals to pay close attention to would-be thieves.
While parking cars, drivers are always reminded to lock them and make sure none of their valuables are in plain sight.
Bradenton Police say it's what is underneath the vehicles that thieves are trying to get after.
What You Need To Know
- Bradenton Police Department is encouraging residents to pay close attention to their surroundings as thieves are stealing catalytic converters from the undercarriage of vehicles
- Resident Ian Hicks was a victim of the theft and had to replace the component, in which the cost can reach up to $2,000
- Thieves steal the converters and sell them to scrapyards for cash.They can get anywhere between $80 to $900 dollars
- See below for the list of vehicles that are being targeted
Ian Hicks always spends his free time at the Palmetto Boat Ramp. This week, his catalytic converter was stolen while he parked at the ramp.
"I cant believe it happened," said Hicks, who had heard about the thefts in the community, but never thought he would experience it himself. "There's people coming out of the marina, there's people dropping their boats. These thieves aren't caring."
Bradenton Police Public Information Officer Meredith Frameli says they've seen more cases lately.
"During the pandemic, we really started to see a rise nationally in catalytic converter thefts. That's beacause of the precious metals found," said Frameli.
Catalytic converters are usually at the bottom center of most vehicles and their purpose is to help the vehicle's exhaust pipe clean gas emissions and reduce harmful pollution.
Without it, Frameli says there's more noise coming from the engine.
"You'll know as soon as you start the car up. It's going to sound like you drive a monster truck," she said.
Thieves steal the converters and sell them to scrapyards for cash.They can get anywhere between $80 to $900 dollars.
Meanwhile, Hicks has since replaced his stolen converter. A replacement can cost up to $2,000: a cost he says no driver deserves to pay."
"Try to keep your vehicles in well lit areas like police say. I was out here in the middle of the day. Pay attention to people climbing underneath peoples cars. look out for your fellow man," he said.
Police are encouraging drivers to take the extra step and write the car's vin number on the converter with a UV pen.
Police say the most targeted vehicles for this crime are :
- Chevrolet Silverado pick-up trucks
- Ford F-series pick-up trucks and econoline vans
- Honda Accord sedans and element suvs
- Jeep Patriot SUVs
- Mitsubishi Outlander SUVs