Is your vehicle’s catalytic converter missing? You are not alone, say Lacey police
A number of catalytic converters have been stolen from vehicles in Lacey and surrounding areas, Lacey police announced late last week.
Police say the thieves are targeting trucks, vans and the hybrid Toyota Priuses.
A catalytic converter is used to control exhaust emissions, but it’s also popular among thieves because the converter contains valuable metals. The car part could be worth about $800.
Victor Champlin, manager of Quality Muffler & Brake in Olympia, spoke to The Olympian in October after Olympia police noted an increase in the same crime. Champlin said it costs about $1,000 to replace the part.
Lacey police offered these tips to avoid becoming a victim of the crime:
▪ If you have a garage, park your vehicle inside it.
▪ Install motion-sensing lights in your driveway.
▪ Park in well lit areas.
▪ Report suspicious activity.
Suspicious activity can be reported to South Sound Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or Lacey police at 360-459-4333.
This story was originally published February 7, 2021 at 10:44 AM with the headline "Is your vehicle’s catalytic converter missing? You are not alone, say Lacey police."
