More Catalytic Converter Thefts Reported In Bristol Borough

BRISTOL, PA — Police in Bristol Borough have reported the latest in a rash of incidents locally in which thieves have stolen catalytic converters off of vehicles.

Friday's news of thefts that happened in Bristol in the early-morning hours of Feb. 9 come after similar theft reports in Newtown and for the second time recently in the borough.

The latest thefts happened in the early-morning hours on Feb. 9. According to police, two people in a silver Mercedes station wagon removed catalytic converters from a vehicle on the 200 block of Old Rt. 13 and another on the 300 block of Pond Street.

They shared photos Friday of the two people believed to have been involved in the thefts and their vehicle.

Earlier this month, Bristol Borough Police reported similar thefts the next night. Those targeted two Ford pickup trucks, on Corson Street and Jefferson Avenue.

Anyone with information in the cases is asked to contact Officer Mike Levitsky at 215-788-7813, Ext. 2443.

Catalytic converters, which reduce pollution from vehicles, are made with precious metals including platinum, palladium and rhodium, according to AAA. Rising prices on those metals have made a stolen converter worth up to $500 for thieves, the auto club said.

Combined with the relative ease of removing one with, that price hike has led to an increase in thefts nationwide. AAA suggests vehicle owners:

• Park in safe areas whenever possible
• Have anti-theft devices like plates, shields or cages installed
• Have security cameras installed facing the street or driveway
• Check your insurance to make sure it covers the theft