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'They are so quick': Police seek help in finding suspects in catalytic converter thefts in Monmouth and Ocean counties

To prevent thefts, it's recommended to park inside a garage or well lit area, install a security camera pointing at the car or engrave your VIN number on your catalytic converter.

Kimberly Bukowiec

Oct 16, 2024, 11:23 PM

Updated 35 days ago

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Police are seeking your help as another round of catalytic converter thefts popped up Tuesday in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
Wall police are cooperation with Brick police to locate the suspects.
"It's extremely frustrating. They are so quick with it in and out in less than a minute they know exactly what they're looking for and what they're doing," said Karleigh Cacciatore, patrolman of Wall police.
According to the police report, around 3:30 a.m., the area of Belmar Boulevard and Allenwood Road in Wall Township was hit with multiple catalytic converter thefts. The suspects were driving a high-end black sedan. One suspect is wearing red sweatpants and a tan sweatshirt.
So, what do police suggest you can do at home to prevent something like this from happening?
"Keep an eye out, keep an eye out on your neighbors if you hear anything that sounds like a tool in the middle of the night or early morning hours give a call," said Patrolman Cacciatore.
Converters are still being stolen nearly every day. They’re expensive to replace — in some cases as much as $1,500 to $3,000 each — and many insurance policies don’t cover them. This is top of mind for residents in town.
"We are afraid, every night we lock the car," said Lorraine of Wall. "We have a Ring doorbell, so we pretty much know who is approaching our house but we still have fear," she said.
"How they're stealing it I don't even know, I'm an auto mechanic I don't even know how they can get underneath the cars," said Ron of Wall.
To prevent thefts, it's recommended to park inside a garage or well lit area, install a security camera pointing at the car or engrave your VIN number on your catalytic converter.