The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is launching a task force to investigate stolen catalytic convertors that are being sold on the black market.
A reported 800 catalytic convertors, a critical car part that filters out harmful fumes, were stolen in Monroe County last year.
“The big thing with catalytic converters is there’s a lot of precious metals in them, so that’s what makes them valuable,” said Deputy Jonathan Payne of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, according to 13Wham News.
Payne says most thefts of catalytic convertors have occurred in car lots, but there has been some instances of residential thefts. He says exterior lighting can be a helpful deterrent, and installing security systems may help catch these criminals in the act.
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