Converters increasingly targeted

By The Associated Press
Updated 54 days, 7 hours 18 minutes ago

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(AP)  -  THE PROBLEM: Theft of catalytic converters has exploded in the past year as thieves try to cash in on higher metal commodity prices. The National Insurance Crime Bureau has seen rising reports of the thefts across the country; just one northeastern Ohio township says 75 have been stolen this year alone.

THE COST: Scrap yards usually pay $50 to $100 for the anti-pollution devices, but car owners face replacement bills of $200 to $1,000 or more.

ELUSIVE SOLUTION: Targeted police patrols, restrictions on converter sales at scrap yards, protective cages and driver attentiveness are among steps recommended to foil thieves.