Catalytic convert thefts continue to skyrocket in the City of Lincoln. There have been 97 thefts of catalytic converters reported during the month of May.
“That means we are on pace for 177 thefts in May, which is comparable to the last two months. With that in mind, we are on pace to see approximately 1,800 converter thefts by the end of the year, which is an 84% increase as compared to 2021,” says Captain Todd Kocian.
To help address this issue the Lincoln Police Department has a committee in place composed of several officers & investigators who are taking proactive measures to combat the continued theft of converters.
Kocian says SUV’s and trucks are the biggest targets because they have valuable and more easily removable catalytic converters. He says thieves can easily slide underneath those vehicles to remove the converter.
To avoid becoming a victim Kocian says etch your license plate number or VIN onto your converter. “This may help alert a scrap dealer that it may be stolen and makes it easier to identify the owner.” He also encourages residents to park in well-lit areas and regularly move the vehicle or park it in a closed garage.
Other tips include installing an anti-theft device and motion lights and/or cameras in your parking area.