Four Catalytic Converters Stolen Over Two Days In Manalapan

MANALAPAN, NJ — Catalytic converters were the target of four thefts recently in the township, police reported, with three of the thefts reported in one day - Dec. 28.

• Dec. 28: A Manalapan resident, 88, reported the theft of a catalytic converter, valued at approximately $1,000, from a car parked on Meadow Green Circle. Patrolman Christopher Oleksy handled the report.
• Dec. 28: A Manalapan resident, 19, reported the theft of a catalytic converter, valued at approximately $1,095, from a car parked on Deepwater Circle. Patrolman Anthony Cascella handled the report.
• Dec. 28: A Manalapan resident, 35, reported the theft of a catalytic converter, valued at approximately $350, from a car parked on Cross Slope Court. Patrolman Christopher Capuzzo handled the report.
• Dec. 27: A Manalapan resident, 81, reported the theft of a catalytic converter, valued at approximately $2,000, from a car parked on Medford Court. Patrolman Abdoulaye Diagne handled the report.

Catalytic converters continue to be targeted by thieves, according to a May 2023 report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Insurance claims for these thefts increased from 16,660 claims in 2020 to 64,701 in 2022, it noted.

According to the bureau website, a catalytic converter is designed to convert the environmentally hazardous exhaust emitted by the engine and convert it into less harmful gasses. To do this, manufacturers use platinum, palladium, or rhodium, all valuable precious metals.

Catalytic converters are normally valued between $1,000 and $2,000.