Thefts From Vehicles On Uptick In Woodbridge Area: Police

WOODBRIDGE, VA—Authorities have noticed a recent uptick in thefts from vehicles in the Woodbridge/Dumfries/Triangle area, according to Prince William County. Specifically, the thieves have been zeroing in on exhaust systems, catalytic converters and mufflers "that are being cut and removed."

Police say the incidents have occurred at all hours of the day and the locations vary from commuter and commercial parking lots to residential communities. Catalytic converters use precious metals to reduce the danger of vehicle emissions, and the metals can return thieves $100 to $150 each at scrap yards. Replacement costs can reach up to $1000.

Vehicles with high ground clearance, including SUVs and trucks, are especially vulnerable to thieves who crawl under these vehicles late at night and quickly cut the converters from a vehicle's undercarriage with a battery-operated saw.

As such, PWC Police offer the following recommendations:

• Be aware of your surroundings in parking lots. If you notice activity that looks out of place or suspicious, call the police immediately.
• During hours of reduced light and visibility, park your vehicle in well-lit areas where possible.
• Park close to building entrances or the nearest road in public parking lots. This leaves your car in a location where it will be visible.
• If you have a personal garage, keep your car parked inside with the vehicle locked and vehicle alarm system engaged.
• If your vehicle already has an alarm, adjust the security system to activate from vibrations, such as those produced by a saw.
• Install a catalytic converter-specific security device, or have it welded to the car frame. You can also engrave your car’s VIN number to the catalytic converter.
• Where feasible for added security, install video surveillance where you regularly park your vehicle.

Anyone with information about the thefts is urged to call police at 703-792-6500.