Police are investigating a rise in catalytic converter thefts

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – Police are hoping to put a stop to some costly auto parts thefts.

Across Jonesboro, including on the Arkansas State campus, catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise.

University police received three reports within two days that someone on campus had cut catalytic converters.

Todd Clark, chief communications officer for the state of Arkansas, said UPD is doing everything it can to stop these thefts.

“Whenever we see a trend or increase in criminal activity, our campus police will increase their patrols, monitor the cameras and try to monitor and catch those people in the act,” Clark said.

These thefts not only affect people at Arkansas State University, but people all over Jonesboro are reporting stolen catalytic converters.

Resident Lisa Strickland said her car wasn’t safe, even in a body shop.

“He called me and said both catalytic converters had been stolen and it was obvious they had been cut up,” she said. “The replacement cost would probably be between $1,400 and $1,500.”

Strickland said it was just for the parts. The work is expected to cost them an additional $800.

Michael Malone, the owner of Joe’s Tire and Auto, said there’s little people like Strickland and you can do to stop the thieves.

“Typically, a catalytic converter theft can happen within 30 seconds to a minute,” Malone said. “If you hear a noise, it’s too late. If they come to your house in the middle of the night, it’s gone.”

Although it will cost a lot of money to repair your vehicle, the stolen parts only sell for around $40 to $50.

Places that buy catalytic converters do everything they can to find out who is selling them using cameras and fingerprints. However, if they are sold to outside sources, they can become more difficult to track.

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