Farms Police Warn Residents of Thefts

Thefts of catalytic converters have been a problem in the Grosse Pointes and St. Clair Shores but Friday police received to reports regarding thefts that happened during the daytime. 

Police are asking anyone who spots something suspicious or out of place to report it to 313-885-2100. Theft of catalytic converters requires a person to get underneath the car and to use a saw or other cutting device to remove it from the vehicle.

These pieces are targeted by thieves because they can be sold to scrap dealers for their valuable metal content. Grosse Pointe Park has had a variety of these type of thefts, which seem to come in waves.

Generally the crime is committed at night using the nighttime to their benefit to not be noticed. St. Clair Shores police arrested two men caught in the act earlier this week. During their arrest, officers found two additional catalytic converters inside the men's getaway car.

The Farms police alert says thieves can get anywhere from $100 to $150 per catalytic converter and the crime can be committed rather quickly despite the circumstances necessary to reach the part.

The thefts reported Friday were in the 400 block of Touraine and in a business parking lot near Mack Avenue and Kerby Road.

There is one precaution vehicle owners can take: car repair shops that offer muffler service generally can install a bracket around the catalytic converter to prevent theft, according to the Farms police alert.

Farms police want anyone seeing anything suspicious to call it in so officers can check it out and prevent additional thefts.

For questions on the police blotter, email sara.martin@patch.com.