Someone stole the catalytic converter from the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile

The Oscar Mayer wienermobile at the TimkenSteel Grand Parade on Cleveland Avenue in advance of the 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement
The Oscar Mayer wienermobile at the TimkenSteel Grand Parade on Cleveland Avenue in advance of the 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Photo credit Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Oscar Meyer is just the latest victim of the rampant rise in catalytic converter theft.  Yes, someone stole the catalytic converter from the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile!

The Wienermobile was in Las Vegas for a series of appearances Super Bowl weekend, when thieves apparently made off with the catalytic converter on Thursday.

Live On-Air
Ask Your Smart Speaker to Play Ninety eight point seven K Love
98.7 KLUV
Listen Now
Now Playing
Now Playing

The Wienermobile was taken to a mechanic where a temporary catalytic converter was installed in order for the vehicle to make its scheduled appearances.

Joseph Rodriguez, parts administrator for the Penske shop, told 8 News Now he was a bit surprised to see the Wienermobile when he got to work Friday morning.

“A hot dog truck, no way,” Rodriguez said. “Imagine like a huge hot dog in the middle of your bay. There’s all these other trucks and you got to work on this.”

Thefts of catalytic converters, a vital part of a vehicle’s emissions system, has been a rampant problem for a couple of years.

More than 2,600 catalytic converter thefts were reported to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police in 2022, up from 1,894 the previous year, a 72% increase.

According to a report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, there was a 1,013% increase in catalytic converter thefts from 2018 to 2020.

LISTEN on the Audacy App

Sign Up and Follow 98.7 KLUV

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Featured Image Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports