In 12 days catalytic converter thefts total $42,000 in loss and damages
January 2022 has already seen 28 thefts in 12 days.
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Catalytic converter thefts are still on the rise in Lancaster County according to the Lincoln Police Department. There are 28 thefts so far in January 2022, at this time last year there were only 10 reported thefts.
January 2022’s rate of 28 thefts has already surpassed thefts in January 2020 by 15, this shows catalytic converter thefts are still on the rise from previous years.
The thefts so far equate to a total loss of approximately $42,000.
Details of thefts so far:
- 64% of the thefts are Honda and Kias: 6 Honda Elements, and 5 Kia Sportages
- 86% of thefts are model years from 2001 to 2009
- 67% of thefts occurred in residential areas where vehicles were parked on the street.
In an attempt to combat the steady rise in thefts throughout 2021, Lancaster County implemented a new ordinance in November.
The ordinance required that for the sale of catalytic converters in Lancaster County, you would need a special $5 permit which would last the whole year.
According to Police, this won’t prevent catalytic converter thieves from going out of town to make the sale, but it will make them a bigger target.
