Catalytic Converter Thieves Strike In Lansdale Borough

LANSDALE, PA — Lansdale Police say a vehicle catalytic converter theft occurred in the borough recently, an act that was caught on video from a home surveillance camera.

The theft took place just before 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 16 along the unit block of East Fourth Street.

"These thefts are brazened, loud and fast," Lansdale Police wrote on its Crime Watch page.

In the video, a sedan can be seen rolling up next to a car that is parked on the street.

Three individuals are seen exiting the vehicle and approaching the victim's vehicle with tools in hand. They then jack up the vehicle so as to gain access to the undercarriage.

Power tools can be heard being used during the commission of the crime, as the home video contains audio.

The brazen act occurs incredibly quickly, with the entire theft taking place in what appears to be just a little over one minute.

Lansdale Police say that there has been an increase in catalytic theft in recent time from communities all across Montgomery County.

Anyone with information about the incident in Lansdale is asked to contact local police at 215-368-1801.

Video of the theft can be seen on YouTube.

Public safety officials say that catalytic converter thefts have increased in recent time due to the money thieves can get for the metal used in the automotive part.