Over break, multiple school-owned vehicles in the Maintenance parking lot were the targets of catalytic converter thefts. At least one student reported their vehicle’s catalytic converter was also stolen and a back tire slashed in the Rita Bole parking lot over the weekend.
Vermont State Police confirm these follow a series of similar events in the Northeast Kingdom. On October 6, troopers were notified of multiple thefts from the Mitsubishi dealership in St. Johnsbury. Over the summer, Saint J Subaru made statewide headlines in July with more thefts from cars on the lot and getting serviced. The St. Johnsbury Buick GMC dealership even reported two stolen converters in February.
It’s not just a problem in Vermont. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that thieves stole 12 times as many catalytic convertors last year than they did in 2019. Officials tie the rise in thefts to the value of metals used to make converters. In an email to the Lyndon community, NVU-Lyndon Director of Public Safety Brian Michaud wrote, “[Converters] contain three metals that aid in the chemical reaction that makes exhaust pollutants less harmful: platinum, palladium, and rhodium. The prices of these metals have risen dramatically during the early 21st century.” As long as these prices stay high, officials expect these thefts to, as well.
With the rise in thefts, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to check on their vehicles regularly, even if they’re not planning on driving anywhere that day. Newer vehicles, hybrids, SUVs, and pickup trucks are the most targeted. Michaud also says some insurance plans may cover the cost of a stolen converter.
If you are a victim of a catalytic converter theft, contact Public Safety at (802)626-6452 and file a report with the Vermont State Police at (802)748-3111.
Feature Photo by Alexandra Huff || Cars lined up in the ASAC parking lot.