DEARBORN (WWJ) - Police in Dearborn are warning drivers after a recent rash of catalytic converter thefts.
Police say the recent targets appear to be Honda Civics in the 2004 to 2006 model years, with the majority of the thefts happening between 5 and 7 a.m.
Residents are asked to keep an eye out for any suspicious subjects near vehicles.
Catalytic converters, even used ones, can be sold by thieves because they contain small amounts of valuable rare metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium. Thieves crawl underneath vehicles and remove the catalytic converter by cutting it off of the vehicle.
Residents are asked to take steps to protect their vehicles, including:
- Park in well-lit areas.
- Park close to building entrances or the nearest road in public parking lots. This leaves your car in a location where many people can see it.
- If you have a garage, keep your car parked inside with the door shut.
- Add video surveillance to the area where you regularly park your car.
- Use a vehicle security system.
Report any suspicious activity in your neighborhood by calling 911 or the Suspicious Activity Phone Line at 313-943-3030.
