Multiple Catalytic Converters Stolen From Nassau School Bus Depot

GARDEN CITY PARK, NY — More than a dozen catalytic converters were stolen from the parking lot of a bus company in Garden City Park early Monday morning, police said.

According to police, an employee of We Transport Bus Company, located at 20 1st Ave., went into the locked storage yard at 5 a.m. on April 25 and found that someone had stolen 14 catalytic converters from buses parked there over the weekend.

Police say the value of the parts is more than $14,000.

The theft of catalytic converters has been on the rise across the country. A catalytic converter is part of a vehicle's exhaust system. It converts the engine exhaust to less hazardous gases, and uses valuable metals to do so. Catalytic converters can contain platinum, palladium or rhodium, which make them prime targets for thieves, since they can sell the metals for scrap.

Police are asking anyone with information about this theft to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS, or dial 911. All callers will remain anonymous.