Rash of catalytic converter thefts confusing car owners in Boston, several Mass. communities

BOSTON — Police in Boston and several communities north of the city are investigating a rash of thefts involving catalytic converters.

Boston Police told Boston 25 News that it’s happened to at least three car owners in Jamaica Plain this week alone.

Medford and Lynn Police also are looking into a spree of similar thefts involving the pricey part.

In all of the cases, the same vehicle is being targeted – the Toyota Prius.

“We think they’re targeting these cars because it’s an easy jack up, and they can get it quickly,” said Lt. Michael Kmiec with Lynn Police. “There’s some valuable metal parts inside of there that they can turn over for scrap.”

Patrick Lombard, owner of West Cork Auto in Jamaica Plain, believes the metals used in the Prius converter are particularly profitable for crooks.

“The emission standards are much higher so they probably use a lot more precious metals in the converter than they would in a traditional non-hybrid,” explained Lombard.

Lombard heard from two car owners who made this stunning revelation on Thursday.

As soon as each of their Toyota Priuses arrived at his auto repair shop, it was an easy but expensive diagnosis.

“The converters are over $2,000 from Toyota and then you have the hardware and the gaskets and the time to do it,” said Lombard. “You could spend $2500-$2600 easily.”

Lombard said he was surprised to hear from multiple customers with the same issue.

He said the crime is confusing to car owners who can’t see that the part is missing from underneath their vehicle.

“You just start your vehicle, and it’s extremely loud,” added Lombard. “The converter is mounted on the exhaust system between the engine and the tail pipe. When it’s taken out, there’s a big gap.”

Police recommend that car owners try to park in well-lit areas or garages if possible.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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