Catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise, especially in New Jersey, where the South Brunswick Police Department has deemed it to be an “epidemic,” ABC 7 reports.
In South Brunswick, 29 thefts of catalytic converters have occurred since May 21, causing the South Brunswick Police Department to be on high alert and warning residents to be cautious.
According to the Head of the South Brunswick Police Criminal Investigations Division, Captain Jeff Russo, most of the thefts are occurring overnight, between the hours of 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM, and are completed within minutes. Hondas are the most commonly targeted by thieves in the area.
Chief Raymond Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department said that his department is working with county and State law enforcement to find suspects, but that there are many groups committing these crimes throughout the state. There have reportedly been two incidents where suspects were encountered by police officers and managed to flee before being apprehended.
“These suspects have no concern for public safety and will recklessly endanger everyone for a few hundred dollars,” Hayducka said.
