Phoenix cops find 1,200 catalytic converters as thefts soar

PHOENIX -- An Arizona man was dealing with a number of theft fees Friday after detectives discovered more than 1,200 catalytic converters packed into a storage unit, a case that highlights a nationwide surge in thefts of the pricy auto components that play a vital function in reducing automobile emissions.

The discovery followed a months-long investigation that started with a January tip that someone was storing stolen catalytic converters in an industrial area close to Phoenix Sky Harbor Worldwide Airport.

“We were very shocked on the quantity 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 shopping for and promoting the convertors was charged with 40 counts of theft and will face additional fees.

The huge rise in catalytic converters thefts across the nation has hit tens of hundreds of car and truck owners within the pocketbook and frustrated police, who are confronted with a crime that takes just minutes to commit and is difficult to unravel even if they discover the stolen components.

Catalytic converters aren't imprinted on the manufacturing unit with serial numbers and stolen converters end up on a black market where they are chopped open for the valuable metals they include.

Replacing one can value a motorist from $1,000 to $3,000, in keeping with the National Insurance coverage Crime Bureau, an insurance coverage industry group that works to fight insurance coverage fraud and crime. Police say thieves can get from $100 to $150 for each converter.

The insurance coverage group counted simply 3,969 reviews of stolen catalytic converters in 2019, greater than 17,000 in 2020 and more than 52,000 last year.

Lawmakers throughout the nation have taken discover, introducing legislation designed to make it harder for criminals to unload their loot. In line with the Nationwide Insurance Crime Bureau, 150 bills have been introduced this 12 months in 36 states and enacted in 16 states.

That includes Arizona, where 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 purchase official used gadgets. They have to mark the merchandise with the donor automobile's serial number and retain it for at least per week in unique condition.

Scrap sellers caught with unregistered or stolen converters face a $500 fantastic for the primary offense, a $2,000 effective for a second and no less than double that for each extra time they're caught. Those possessing or trying to promote a used catalytic converter that do not meet new requirements may face a six-month jail sentence.

Federal laws is also within the works. Indiana Rep. Jim Baird is sponsoring a invoice backed by the Nationwide Insurance Crime Bureau that will require serial numbers on new gadgets, provide grants for packages to stamp numbers on existing automobiles and trucks and make it easier to prosecute thefts.

The insurance group's President and CEO David Glawe known as it a important step in serving to carry reduction to individuals instantly impacted by the thefts.

Insurance typically doesn't cowl a car proprietor's losses. Somebody carrying just legal responsibility coverage or legal responsibility and collision is on the hook for the total invoice. Even with comprehensive coverage, there is a deductible which may be excessive enough that it's not value submitting a declare.

“Lastly, some victims even with protection could treat the problem as a mechanical subject and just pay for it themselves and never notify their insurer,” insurance coverage crime bureau spokesperson Tully Lehman stated Friday.