Elk Grove Village police received a report about 8:01 a.m. Tuesday of a theft of motor vehicle parts in the 900 block of Oakton Street, Elk Grove Village. Police received a report that a catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle parked at the business.
Catalytic converter thefts occur because the exhaust and pollution control devices contain precious metals, such as palladium, platinum and rhodium which can be sold to metal scrappers for about $100 to $150.
Several incidents have occurred in Elk Grove Village recently.
Reciprocating saw (file photo).
Catalytic converters can be removed after a few quick cuts by a battery-powered reciprocating saw, or All-Saw.
Catalytic converter theft is increased for vehicles that are parked for prolonged periods of time in large parking lots, such as shopping centers, mass transit commuter lots or company fleet parking lots. Offenders frequently hit a fleet of vehicles at night or over weekends. Pickup trucks and SUVs are at higher risk of theft because it is easier for offenders to slide under the vehicle without jacking it up to access the catalytic converter.
Catalytic converters have also been stolen from vehicles parked at the Arlington Park commuter lot.
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