May 11, 2021:
The Lynchburg Police Department is investigating after a rise in catalytic converter thefts in recent weeks.
The vehicles targeted have high ground clearance which enables suspects to remove catalytic converters quickly with a cutting tool. Most vehicles are targeted overnight or over the weekend when businesses are closed. Most thefts reported have occurred in business and church parking lots. Thieves are targeting catalytic converters because of the value of the precious metals inside the casing. The converters are sold to metal recyclers or to private individuals.
- A person working under a vehicle in a parking lot or behind a business.
- A person with an electric saw or grinder appearing to work on a vehicle.
- Cutting or grinding noises while the suspect is under a car.
- Subjects quickly jacking up a vehicle, sliding under it to remove the converter, and leaving abruptly.
- Work being done on vehicles in locations such as grocery store lots, apartment lots, parking garages, satellite parking areas, or on business owned vehicles after hours.
This is an ongoing investigation. Any additional information will be released as an update to this news release.