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Friday, January 8, 2021 | View in browser
Evanston Police Advise Residents to be on the Lookout for Catalytic Convertor Thieves
 EVANSTON, IL - The Evanston Police Department wants to alert citizens of the recent increase in catalytic convertor thefts occurring over the past several weeks. Since December 24, 2020, the Evanston Police Department has taken 25 reports of these thefts. The catalytic convertor is located in the undercarriage portion of vehicles. The convertor contains rare earth metals that are valuable. Certain vehicles catalytic convertors contain more of these precious metals than other vehicles. In particular, many hybrid vehicles have higher amounts of these rare metals.
Many of these thefts have occurred in the southern portion of Evanston. Offenders are removing the catalytic convertors during evening and early morning hours. Targeted vehicles are normally parked on residential streets. It only takes a few minutes for an offender to remove the catalytic convertor. Offenders are likely using a cordless reciprocating saw to make two cuts, then removing the catalytic convertor.
Preventing one of these thefts is not easy, we are asking for neighbors to be vigilant and to report any suspicious persons or vehicles in their neighborhood. The Evanston Police Department advises the community to follow the C.L.E.A.R. method of risk reduction.
- C - Call the Police if you observe suspicious activity.
- L - Lock your doors and windows.
- E - Encourage your neighbors to be vigilant.
- A - Avoid having valuables visible for potential burglars.
- R - Record the serial numbers of your bicycles and electronics.
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Media Relations: Commander Brian Henry
bhenry@cityofevanston.org
Phone: 847-866-5026
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