MORGANTON - Local authorities are warning that thieves are targeting catalytic converters on vehicles, reflecting a national trend driven by rising metal prices.
The converters contain platinum, which is particularly valuable, said Sgt. Robert Beall of the Burke County sheriff's office. Platinum was worth $2,016 an ounce this week.
The escalating problem prompted Morganton police to issue a warning that the theft can take place in as little as 60 seconds.
"If you saw someone crawl under a vehicle and crawl back out in under a minute, would you know what was going on? Probably not," said Mark Tolbert, the chief of the Morganton Department of Public Safety.
Beall advised vehicle owners to take such precautions as installing motion-sensor lights at homes and installing surveillance cameras at businesses.
Sgt. Jason Whisnant of Morganton police said that vehicle owners can also engrave an identifying mark on their catalytic converters such as their license-plate number or name.
"Be wary of strangers coming to offer yard work or handy work. They could just be checking out your home, vehicle and property to see what they can steal," Tolbert said.
Catalytic converters have been required on vehicles since the 1970s, Whisnant said. A catalytic converter reduces emissions by burning exhaust gas.
Removing the converter can make a vehicle run louder than normal, and with newer cars, the vehicle may not run at all, Whisnant said.
Replacing a catalytic converter can be expensive. Odell Shuffler, a manager at the Auto Zone on West Fleming Drive, said that converters range in price from $130 to $900. That does not include installation, which can add another $100, Shuffler said.
Whisnant said that some victims are worried that their catalytic converter may be stolen a second time, but his only suggestion is to take preventive measures.
Shuffler said he had a customer who came in twice within a few weeks to purchase catalytic converters lost to thieves.
"They took the muffler, too, the second time," Shuffler said.
■ Julie N. Chang is a reporter for the Morganton News Herald.
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