‘It’s gotten real bad;’ Catalytic converter thefts on the rise across the region

Officers from across the region say they’ve been dealing with a widespread increase of stolen catalytic converters as thieves continue to target vehicles parked at businesses and in neighborhoods.

>>RELATED: Deputies: 1 detained after search for catalytic converter thief in Greene County

On Wednesday, Greene County deputies searched for hours for a person suspected of cutting the parts off vehicles parked in a storage area in Beavercreek Twp., near Kil-Kare Raceway. Body camera video released Thursday showed deputies tracking down a man who was later detained and questioned in connection to the thefts.

Deputies told News Center 7 instances like Wednesday’s investigation are becoming more common.

“It’s gotten real bad, and we all pay the price,” Maj. Shawn Prall of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday.

>> RELATED: Montgomery County law enforcement agencies noticing increase in catalytic converter thefts

“Insurance rates go up to cover the costs and damage to these vehicles. Businesses suffer because vehicles they need to conduct business are rendered inoperable and sometimes takes several thousand dollars to get them operable again. It hurts the whole community,” he said.

News Center 7 reached out to several departments across the Miami Valley for data on catalytic converter thefts and how many cases have been investigated. Of the responses received, Springfield police have dealt with an estimated 120 cases of catalytic converter thefts just since January, Lt. Lou Turner said in an email to News Center 7 Thursday.

“Yes it is a problem, for the fact that the price can be upwards of $1000 to replace. As far as ‘on the rise’ I would say this has been an average for the past couple of years,” Turner said.

“These types of items are being stolen from places like used car lots, repair shops, towing and storage lots and Uhaul rental facilities.”

Additionally Turner said the department averages two to three reports per day on catalytic converter thefts.

Here’s how many cases some other area departments have investigated over the last year:

• Miami County Sheriff’s Office: 70 theft complaints across all agencies in the county in 2021
• Greene County Sheriff’s Office: 16 separate cases in the last year resulting in around 50 catalytic converters being stolen
• Kettering police: 50 cases in 2021 and three so far in 2022. In the same time frame compared to 2021, there were only five reported.
• Beavercreek police: 36 cases in 2021 and 12 so far in 2022
• Centerville police: 24 cases in 2021 and two so far in 2022
• Darke County Sheriff’s Office: 17 total reports in 2021 with 42 stolen converters. Three were recovered. Three reports in 2022 with four converters stolen.
• Butler Twp. police: Seven thefts in 2021 and two so far in 2022
• Clayton: Five thefts in 2021 and three so far in 2022
• Eaton police: Three cases in 2021 and no cases so far in 2022
• Champaign County: Three cases investigated by the sheriff’s office in 2021

Most departmental spokespersons said the numbers of thefts were worth monitoring crime trends, with others not concerned about the numbers.

“Any theft is concerning to us however, this would not be considered a considerable problem within our jurisdiction,” Officer John Davis, Centerville police Public Information Officer said. “2022 numbers are trending lower than last year as we averaged two per month in 2021.″

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“Our agency tracks the types of and locations of thefts to try and establish any patterns that might assist in preventive patrol efforts. Unfortunately, the sporadic nature of these thefts make it difficult to predict when and where the culprit(s) might go next,” Davis said

However, Miami County Sheriff Dave Duchak said as the crimes continue, his department and other Miami County departments, have had a hard time solving cases and holding accountable the thieves who are stealing the car parts.

“There have been a few apprehensions, however most go unsolved. Most of the suspects are committing the thefts to fund their drug addiction. Unfortunately, many of the converter thieves are good at their trade and can remove one very quickly,” Duchak said in an emailed statement to News Center 7.

While deputies have been struggling to arrest the thieves they’re also having a harder time going after those buying the parts due to current Ohio laws, Duchak said.

“As Ohio continues on the path of lessening penalties for property crimes there is little incentive for the suspect(s) (who are apprehended) to cooperate with law enforcement to go after those who buy the stolen converters as they know they will do little to no time,” Duchak said.

“Typically, the most they can be charged with is a felony 5.  While Ohio passed good legislation several years ago to allow (law enforcement officers) to monitor salvage yard transaction, there are unfortunately unsavory operators who take the converters in the ‘back door’ and bypass reporting requirements,” Duchak said.

Departments across the area said patrols and business checks have increased during late night, overnight, and early morning hours especially in areas where large numbers of vehicles are parked.

Officers in the region who responded to News Center 7 offered similar tips on how to avoid being targeted by thieves:

• Park vehicles in garages or well-lit areas
• Businesses and homeowners install security cameras and outdoor motion lights or make sure they’re in working order.
• Report suspicious vehicles parked in neighborhoods or near businesses.
• Register home security cameras with police departments that have programs where they can be registered to help investigators.

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