THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 Page 5 Everett Police report uptick in catalytic converter thefts By Christopher Roberson G one are the days when thieves ripped stereos out of cars, as the catalytic converter has become be a much more lucrative commodity. According to the Everett Police Department, catalytic converters have been stolen from 15 vehicles since April. Located under a car, the device is designed to reduce harmful emissions as part of the vehicle’s exhaust system. Police said the high wheelbase of Ford pickup trucks and Honda CRVs have made these vehicles primary targets. “When the metal markets go up, we start seeing an increase in these types of crimes,” said Police Chief Steven Mazzie. According to Farmers Insurance, the medals found in catalytic converters are “more precious than gold,” thus making them very attractive to thieves. These medals include platinum, palladium and rhodium. COYOTE | FROM PAGE 3 were reported in October, five of them came from callers on Andrews Street, Bradford Street, Demers Lane and Franklin Street. David Wattles, a biologist with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, said coyotes have actually been in the state’s urban communities for the past 20 years, adding that they can quickly adapt to new environments. Wattles said coyote bites are not common with 24 incidents being reported across the state during the past several years. Although the bites have been “very minor,” he said many of these incidents were caused by residents purposely feeding the coyotes. “If anyone is intentionally feeding these animals – stop,” said Wattles. verter, as a wrench or reciprocating saw is all that is needed. Once the device has been stolen, thieves will then sell it to scrap recycling facilities for $800 to $1,500. Therefore, Mazzie said, he would like to see legislation passed requiring scrap recyclers to find out where and how an item, such as a catalytic converter, was obtained. “You want to make it uncomfortable for people to sell these things,” he said. Should a catalytic converter be stolen, the replacement cost is anything but cheap. According to Auto Zone, the part A catalytic converter, a device designed to reduce harmful vehicle emissions, has become a lucrative target for thieves. According to NASDAQ, palladium was valued at $2,137 per ounce as of November 21, platinum was valued at $1,056 per ounce and rhodium was valued at a lofty $11,100 per ounce. In contrast, the value of gold per ounce was $1,854. Mazzie also said vehicle ownWhile it is tempting, he said that for the most part, trapping a coyote is not an option. With the exception of box traps, which have proven to be largely ineffective, all other trapping devices have been illegal since 1976. If confronted by a coyote, Wattles said running is probably the worst choice a person could make as it would trigger an attack that would otherwise be avoidable. “Running can stimulate the chase instinct,” he said. According to the National Park Service, coyotes can reach speeds of up to 43 miles per hour during a pursuit. By comparison, the average person can only run at seven miles per hour. Rather, Wattles said residents should do whatever is necessary to end the encounter. (Courtesy Photo) ers will find out very quickly if their catalytic converter has been stolen. “As soon as you turn on that car, it’s not going to sound the same,” said Mazzie, adding that the engine would be significantly louder. He said it is also relatively simple to steal a catalytic con“Use everything at your disposal to fend the animal off,” he said. alone can cost up to $2,500 with labor charges running as high as $130 per hour. David Glawe, president of the National Insurance Crime Bureau, said such thefts have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. “As the value of the precious metals contained within the catalytic converters continues to increase, so do the number of thefts of these devices,” he said. “There is a clear connection between times of crisis, limited resources and disruption of the supply chain that drives investors towards these precious metals.” Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 Lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net A monthly breakdown of coyote sightings in Everett since January 2020.(Photo Courtesy of the Everett Police Department)
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