Catalytic converter thief on the loose

TOWN OF NEWBURGH – If you start up your car and hear a sound like it has no muffler, chances are you’ve been hit by the catalytic converter robber.

Newburgh Town Police Officer Thomas Yozzo Friday said someone has been going around town using some type of saw to cut the converter out of the exhaust system of parked vehicles.

Since the converters contain platinum, they can be sold at scrap yards for an average of $50 a piece. They cost about $500 to replace, he said. “It’s a big, big hit.”

The main target areas have been new car dealership lots, retail establishments and long-term parking lots. Yozzo said Newburgh Nissan has been the target of such thefts.

Police advise people to be cautious about people loitering in parking lots.