Catalytic Converter Thefts Across Bucks Co: What To Know

BUCKS COUNTY, PA —Police departments across Bucks County are investigating a series of catalytic converter thefts from cars parked at area shopping centers.

Police in Warminster and Warrington have issued warnings in recent weeks, 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 Monday after residents reported a person laying underneath a car.

The thieves appear to target Hondas, police said.

Police in Warminster said several of these thefts have 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.

Authorities in Warminster have circulated surveillance images of people they believe are involved in one of these thefts. The image was captured at the Dunkin Donuts on West Street Road on Dec. 2.

Anyone who recognizes the men pictured above or has information should call the Warminster Police at (215) 672-1000 or submit a tip here.

Warrington Township Police are also investigating several thefts of catalytic converters from parked cars.

Thefts have been 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 Nov. 20 warning.

Anyone with information on the Warrington thefts should contact the police at 215-343-3311 or submit a tip here.

In Hilltown, residents reported seeing someone laying under a car parked at the Hilltown Plaza Shopping Center. Police said they believe the incident may be related to the catalytic converter thefts.

"If activity such as vehicle maintenance by people working on a vehicle in a public parking area is observed, report the activity to the police immediately," Warrington police said.

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