Boardman police are investigating catalytic converter thefts from as many as eight vehicles, including motor homes stored in a lot off South Avenue earlier this week.

On Monday, officers were called to take a report about several vehicles being targeted at a property at 7469 South Ave.  

According to police, an employee noticed several vehicles had been tampered with. Investigators found footprints in the snow and marks showing where a person had been lying down to cut the parts from the vehicles. It’s believed the thief accessed the lot by climbing a fence on Interstate 680.

One victim reported a previous theft on the same vehicle in 2021. In that instance, the replacement part was painted bright orange to alert scrap yards if it were ever stolen again.

Police flagged eight other vehicles as potential victims of the recent theft and are reviewing camera footage from the property to identify a suspect.

Catalytic converters are essential for controlling vehicle emissions, but they have become common targets for thieves. According to the U.S. Bureau of Automotive Repair and the National Insurance Crime Bureau, these parts are valuable because they contain rare, precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium.

The value of these metals has increased significantly in recent years. A thief can sell a stolen converter to a scrap metal dealer for anywhere from $25 to $1,000. While it may only take a thief a few minutes to remove the part using basic tools, it can cost a car owner thousands of dollars to replace it.

To help prevent theft, safety experts and law enforcement recommend several strategies:

  • Park in safe areas: If you have a garage, park your car inside and keep it locked. If parking outside, choose a well-lit area near building windows or security cameras.
  • Use theft prevention devices: You can have a professional shop install a protective shield, cage, or clamp to secure the part.
  • Mark the part: Etching your vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number onto the converter can deter thieves. It also helps police and scrap yards identify the part as stolen.
  • Adjust your alarm: Calibrate your car's alarm to detect vibrations. This can alert you if someone is trying to cut the part off.

If you notice a sudden, loud engine noise when starting your car, your catalytic converter may have been stolen. In such cases, police advise reporting the incident immediately and contacting your insurance company.