EXCLUSIVE: Catalytic converter thefts up 248% in Nassau, 183% in Suffolk so far this year
The precious metals that
make up a catalytic converter are proving to be too precious to pass up for
criminals as the number of thefts have skyrocketed in both Nassau and Suffolk
counties this year.
News 12 Long Island has
learned catalytic converter thefts are up 248% so far this year in Nassau
County. Last year 445 were stolen, and this year more than 1,500 have been stolen
so far.
In Suffolk County, 289
were stolen in 2021 and so far in 2022 a total of 819 have been stolen. That is
a 184% increase in the past year.
Police in both Nassau and
Suffolk are asking residents to do everything they can to prevent car thefts.
“Park it in a well lit
area or park it in your driveway if you can. Make sure if it's winter time,
keep your window a little cracked so you can hear if someone's outside,”
said Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder.
Meanwhile, some commuters
say they are on edge.
“Lock
everything up, but that’s not going to prevent it,” said one commuter.
This Sunday, Oct. 2, the Suffolk County Police Department is working with
community partners to host a catalytic converter crime prevention event in St.
James where it will provide the public with free catalytic converter etching
kits to help ward off potential thieves.