Lansdale Borough Police are seeking public assistance in identifying and locating the suspects responsible for a catalytic converter theft on Columbia Avenue Saturday morning.
The theft occurred at 7:49 a.m. on April 9 along the 500 block of Columbia Avenue. Investigators are asking residents in the neighborhood to check their surveillance footage and security systems between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. that morning to see if they have captured any suspicious activity.
A source with knowledge of the incident said a crew of three suspects quickly lifted a Toyota Prius, cut the converter off and fled the scene. The suspects were wearing black clothing and ski-masks, according to the source.
About six weeks ago, Lansdale Police put out a similar call for assistance after three men were captured on surveillance removing a catalytic converter from a Toyota Prius along the unit block of East Fourth Street. It is unclear if police believe these are the same suspects as the ones involved in Saturday’s theft.
Catalytic converters are commonly targeted by thieves — especially the Toyota Prius— as they contain small amounts of precious metals such as rhodium and platinum. Typically, the stolen converters are sold to scrapyards, who then sell them to recycling facilities where the precious metals are reclaimed.
“These thefts are brazened, loud and fast,” said police. “If you have any information in this or any other thefts of catalytic converters, please contact the Lansdale Borough Police Department. You can submit a tip or call at 215-368-1801.”
Anyone with information regarding Saturday’s theft is asked to call Detective Joseph Gary at 267-642-9422 or reach him via email at [email protected].
See also:
Video: Lansdale Police Seek Assistance in Identifying Catalytic Converter Thieves
Lansdale Man Caught Stealing Catalytic Converters from Vehicles at JL Freed in Hatfield, Police Say
Serial Catalytic Converter Thief Captured, Manna on Main Street Among Victims
Hatfield Police Seek Public Assistance in Identifying Catalytic Converter Thief
Hilltown Police Seek ID of Catalytic Converter Theft Suspect, Image of Suspect Vehicle Released
