Detectives from the Lake Havasu City Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit have been conducting an investigation into several reports of catalytic converter thefts occurring throughout Lake Havasu City over the past two weeks. Two unidentified male subjects are suspected to have been working together to remove the vehicle parts from trucks parked in unattended areas. All of the reported thefts have been from Ford trucks.

Catalytic converters are used to control the exhaust emissions from vehicles. They contain several valuable metals used as catalysts in the cleaning of carbon monoxide and other harmful fumes produced by vehicle engines. There is currently a rise in catalytic converter thefts across the country, which is believed to be related to a rise in the value of certain metals contained within many catalytic converters. Trucks are often targeted for this type of theft due to having a greater ground clearance.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NCIB) recommends that vehicle owners take precautions to prevent the theft of catalytic converters, including: parking vehicles in garages or other secured and well-lit areas, installing security cameras or motion lights, installing anti-theft plates to cover the bottom of the vehicle, and marking or etching the catalytic converter to aid in recovery.

Anyone with information on these thefts is encouraged to contact the Lake Havasu City Police Department. Anonymous information can be called into Lake Havasu Silent Witness at 928-854-TIPS (8477). Citizens can utilize the police department’s anonymous text messaging tip service by texting LHCPD and your message to “CRIMES” or 274637. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through a web page based tip service at www.tipsoft.com or via the “TipSubmit” mobile application. Anyone using Android, Windows or Apple platforms can download the LHCPD app and submit a tip through the app as well.

Public Information Officer: Sergeant Frank Hayden