Westfield Sees Multiple Thefts Of Catalytic Convertors From Cars

WESTFIELD, NJ — Last week, three catalytic convertors were stolen from Westfield cars, according to a recent report from Westfield Police.

Police say this crime, as well as outright car theft, is rampant throughout New Jersey right now. The three convertors that were stolen in Westfield last week all occurred overnight while parked in front of residents' homes.

A catalytic converter is found in a car's undercarriage and is designed to reduce the pollutants and toxic gases the engine produces. They are made out of precious metals, including platinum, and can be re-sold at a very high mark-up on the black market.

Palladium, another valuable metal used in converters, is also selling at an all-time high right now due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Related: Secaucus Hit By Rash Of Catalytic Converter Thefts Over Weekend

The first theft occurred during the overnight hours between March 7 and 8 on the 1000 block of Irving Ave, according to Westfield Police. The resident's car was parked in front of his residence when the catalytic convertor and two O2 sensors were stolen. The approximate value of the items is estimated at $2,400.

Two more convertor thefts occurred overnight Thursday. One stolen from under a resident's van on the 400 block of Westfield Ave was worth approximately $300. Another stolen on the 500 block of First Street was worth around $400.

Police say these thefts typically happen in the middle of the night, usually between 2 and 4 a.m., and the thieves slide under a car, cut off the converter and drive away. The whole job can be completed in less than two minutes, a police chief in Secaucus said.

Further updates from the Westfield Police Department can be found on its Facebook page.

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