Catalytic Converters Stolen From 3 Jettas In Red Bank, Police Report

RED BANK, NJ — During the overnight hours of Tuesday into Wednesday, three catalytic converters were stolen from three different locations in town, police here reported.

Capt. Michael Frazee said the thefts were on Hudson Avenue, Shrewsbury Avenue and Leighton Avenue.

Each of the victim vehicles was a Volkswagen Jetta, he said.

The police ask residents to be vigilant and to report anything they see or hear that is suspicious to the police department at 732-530-2700.

According to a report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the increase in catalytic converter thefts nationally has been dramatic. In 2018, there were 1,298 catalytic converter thefts for which a claim was filed. In 2019, it was 3,389 thefts with a claim.

According to the bureau website, a catalytic converter is a device that looks like a small muffler along the exhaust system. It is designed to convert the environmentally hazardous exhaust emitted by the engine and convert it into less harmful gases.

To do this, manufacturers use platinum, palladium, or rhodium, all of which metals have risen in value, the bureau says.