The previous couple of years have seen catalytic converter thefts explode within the U.S. Stats present that catalytic converter thefts are up over 1,000 p.c within the final 4 years. And the thefts don’t appear to be slowing down. KTLA stories that one of many newest targets for converter thieves was a Southern California Mitsubishi dealership.
The theft went down at Cerritos Mitsubishi on June 4 round six a.m. A video captured by the supplier’s safety guard Jaero Barba exhibits the thieves allegedly trying to steal a converter off of what seems like a Mitsubishi Outlander. Barba says that after recognizing the thieves, he known as the cops after which tried to distract and get their consideration by honking his horn. That’s when the thieves retaliated in opposition to him.
Video exhibits the suspects throwing facet mirrors they’d damaged off buyer automobiles that have been on the guard’s automotive. Then, one of many suspects threw a catalytic converter at his automotive and shattered the window.
The supplier’s service division director says that the thefts have been a seamless downside for the dealership. “This yr alone we’ve been hit three, possibly 4 occasions, and final yr, I need to say a minimum of one other 4 occasions,” he mentioned to KTLA.
The service director says that it’s really cheaper for the supplier to simply pay out of pocket to get the converters changed moderately than go the insurance coverage route. However then the thieves come again and take the converters. “It’s not low cost and each catalytic converter is about $2,700,” he mentioned. The supplier is at the moment asking for assist in figuring out the thieves from the video.