MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise and the problem has made its way here to Monroe County.
Detectives with the Monroe County District Attorney's office say they've had more than 50 reports of thefts since the start of the year.
"Right now the precious metals, especially platinum which are inside these catalytic converters are at an all-time high, especially when they are taken into scrap yards or recycling centers where they are processed. This has led to an increase in thefts of catalytic converters," said Det. Robert Sebastianelli, Monroe County DA's Office.
Catalytic converters are connected to a vehicle's exhaust and police say crooks are sawing those pieces off.
Converters can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars all depending.
Chuck Megee is the chief operating officer at Ray Price Auto near Saylorsburg.
He says his dealerships have been hit in the past. It's why security remains tight on property.
"We've been hit before I mean over the last couple of years we've had a couple of cars that have been hit. Commercial vehicles especially are very valuable. We've had the local authorities, state police do a great job at patrolling our area very regularly but I mean these people come in the darkness of night and they get us," said Chuck Megee, Ray Price Auto.
Converters are being swiped in a number of different places including neighborhoods.
The problem is that you can't see a catalytic converter unless you go looking for it.
However, mechanics tell us if yours was stolen, you'll know as soon as you turn on your car.
Rich Banks owns Pocono Motion Body Shop near Stroudsburg.
"As soon as you get into the car, you're going to hear a noise. Your catalytic converter works as a muffler. It keeps the noise quiet on the car, you know," said Rich Banks, Pocono Motion Body Shop.
If you live in Monroe County and have had a catalytic converter removed or stolen from your vehicle, call Detective Robert Sebastianelli of the Monroe County District Attorney's Office at 570-517-3816 or email rsebastianelli@monroecountypa.gov.
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