$2K Catalytic Converter Stolen From School Bus In Plumstead

PLUMSTEAD, PA — Police in Plumstead are investigating after a catalytic converter was stolen from a school bus parked at Kiddie Academy on Kellers Church Road. Replacement costs are more than $2,000, police said.

Police obtained surveillance video from the scene, which shows it happened on Sunday around 9 p.m.

The suspect is seen in the footage driving a light-colored Infiniti SUV, which was last seen traveling southbound on Kellers Church Road towards Easton Road, police said.

Anyone with information on the theft should contact Officer Jeffrey Moffett 215-766-8741, ext. 121 or jmoffett@plumstead.gov.

Over the past several months, police departments across Bucks County have been investigating a series of catalytic converter thefts from cars parked at area shopping centers.

Police in Warminster and Warrington have issued warnings, saying the thieves are removing the catalytic converters in broad daylight from cars parked at busy shopping centers. In Hilltown Township, police issued a warning after residents reported a person laying underneath a car.

In previous thefts, the thieves targeted Hondas, police said.

Police in Warminster said several catalytic converter thefts occurred during the day from mid-November to early December. The catalytic converters were "forcibly removed" from Honda Accords with a power saw while the victims were shopping, police said.

Warrington Township Police also investigated after similar thefts were reported at The Edge Fitness Club on Easton Road, Doylestown Wellness Center on Easton Road, and T-Mobile on Main Street. All cars targeted in those incidents were also Honda Accords.

"When parking any vehicle in a public parking area it is suggested the area chosen to park in is covered by a security camera or exceptionally high pedestrian traffic in the area to possibly thwart any attempt to remove parts from the vehicle," Warrington Police said in a November warning.

Repairing or replacing a catalytic converter can cost close to $2,000, according to Angie's List.