The Village of Oak Park is encouraging residents to be aware of catalytic converter theft.
“The Oak Park Police Department urges residents to take steps to protect their vehicles from catalytic converter theft, which has become increasingly common throughout the region. Catalytic converters are present in vehicle exhaust systems. Precious metals used in the devices make them appealing to thieves who can remove a catalytic converter in minutes, leaving vehicle owners with a costly repair bill,” the Village of Oak Park posted on Facebook.
Central Illinois Proud reported in March that Illinois has the third most catalytic converter thefts in the nation. Data from State Farm shows that insurance claims for stolen catalytic converters have increased by 313% since 2019. State Farm brand promotion specialist Heather Paul said, “It’s very quick and easy for someone to get underneath your vehicle, unscrew your catalytic converter or cut it off and then take it to a parts or salvage yard for quick money and it can be up to $1,000.”
Earlier in July, an Oak Park resident’s catalytic converter was stolen from their 2008 Honda Fit while the vehicle was parked in the 800 block of Washington Blvd, according to the Oak Park Police Department.
The Oak Park Police Department encourages residents to park in garages or well-lit areas, and to call 911 immediately if they hear an electric saw noise, especially at night.
