Thieves Steal Parts from Under Vehicles at Paoli Train Station: Police Blotter

are investigating the thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles parked at the Paoli Train Station.

According to police, the first report was received on July 5 at 8:46 p.m. The victim said the catalytic converter was missing. That victim's vehicle was reported parked at the station between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The second report of a missing catalytic converter came the next day when Tredyffrin police say that a second victim called with a similar report. In the second case police said the vehicle was reported parked at the station on July 6 between 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Both thefts are under investigation. SEPTA and Atrak police have been notified as well.

Catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise nationally in recent years. They contain the precious metals platinum, rhodium and palladium, making them a tempting target for thieves who then sell the usually untraceable part to scrap dealers.

While the police report did not specify the makes and models of the vehicles in these two cases, thieves often strike pick up trucks, SUV's and other vehicles with high ground clearances.

Catalytic converters are part of a vehicle's exhaust system and are located underneath a vehicle. A report by Nationwide Insurance says that makes vehicles with a high ground clearance an easier target for thieves. The report says "Stolen catalytic converters are sold to scrap yards for around $100 to $150, and when you consider the current prices for precious metals you can understand the demand."

Platinum was selling for just over $1760 per ounce in the early morning hours (Eastern Time) of July 19. Rhodium was selling for about $2,000 per ounce, Palladium was selling for just over $795 per ounce in the early morning hours of July 19th.

USA Today reported on the rising problem across the country in April.

The Nationwide Insurance report says preventing catalytic converter theft on your vehicle is a matter of common sense and some research. The report makes these suggestions:

1. Always park in well-lighted areas.
2. At shopping centers and other similar parking lots, park close the entrance of the building, or near the access road where there’s a lot of traffic.
3. If you own or work at a business or factory, park within a fenced area that’s busy during the day and secured at night.
4. Engrave your license plate number on the converter to make it traceable. This can help with local police investigations.
5. Purchase a vehicle security system, and make sure its set to triggered with just the slightest motion.
6. Visit a local muffler shop and have the converter secured to the vehicle’s frame with a couple of pieces of hardened steel welded to the frame.
7. Check out the different types of catalytic converter theft deterrent systems at your local auto parts store or on the Internet.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated since its first posting to reflect new prices of the precious metals listed as of 1am Eastern Time on July 19.