They’ve mostly been happening at apartment complexes.
Frederick, Md (KM) Frederick Police say they’re increasing targeted checks in response to a rash of thefts of catalytic converters. Authorities say they’ve responded to nine such thefts since the beginning of the year. Four were from motor vehicles parked in apartment complexes; two were from residences; two from commercial areas; and one from a hotel.
Patrol officers will be checking parking lots and other high parking areas during the overnight hours.
Police say if your vehicle makes an unusually loud noise, check to see if your catalytic converter has been removed.
To protect yourself, park in well-lit areas and close to building entrances. If you have a garage, park you car inside the garage and make sure the door is locked. Also, have the catalytic converter welded to your vehicle’s frame which will make it more difficult to steal. And have you vehicle’s VIN number engraved on the catalytic converter, and calibrate your car’s alarm so that it goes off when it detects any vibrations.
If you have information on these thefts, you can call Frederick Police at their main number at 301-600-2102, 24-hours a day, seven-day a week. You can also remain anonymous and leave a voice mail at 301-600-TIPS (8477). Tips by text message can be sent to 240-674-TIPS (8477). You can also send an e-mail to [email protected].
By Kevin McManus