Thieves Steal Catalytic Converters In Melrose: Police

MELROSE, MA — Melrose Police shared tips for the public on Wednesday after noting at least five catalytic converter thefts over the past week.

The thefts took place between Monday, Aug. 24 and Tuesday, Aug. 30, according to police. Each of the thefts took place overnight and targeted Toyota Prius vehicles in various locations around Melrose.

Investigations into the thefts are ongoing, with police inviting anyone with information on these incidents to call them at 781-665-1212.

In the meantime the Melrose Police noted a number of tips to limit the possibility of catalytic converter thefts.

Among tips, police said drivers should try to park in well-lit areas or closed garages and consider adding video surveillance to the main area where they park their vehicle, if they don’t already have such surveillance.

Drivers can install specific anti-theft devices built for catalytic converters, such as aluminum plates that add an extra barrier around the converter.

Drivers who have security systems already installed on their vehicles can adjust those systems to activate from vibrations such as ones produced by a saw.

Anyone who is the victim of a catalytic converter theft should call the police with the time and location of the alleged theft, police said.

Catalytic converters can be theft targets due to the small amounts of precious metals that they contain.

Police on Wednesday noted that thefts involving catalytic converters have been on the rise across Massachusetts as their metals have increased in value.