Posted on 04/14/2022 12:16:27 PM PDT by real saxophonist
Man confronts catalytic converter thief, DPD urges others not to
by: Carly Moore
Apr 12, 2022
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (KDVR) – Denver Police told FOX31 that there were 500 reported catalytic converters stolen in the first three months of this year alone. That’s more than five every day.
Denver Police are warning the public that it’s not just a costly nuisance but could be dangerous as well.
Thieves are starting to post an armed lookout to intercept anyone who catches them in the act.
Since March 2019, there have been 135 reported violent confrontations during catalytic converter thefts, or attempted thefts.
Police do not recommend confronting these thieves like a Lakewood man did because if they do have a weapon things could turn violent.
Brian Derry and Sarah Schroeder were driving back from Palisade on Sunday afternoon when they came across a man who was under a car in their neighborhood.
“I was driving. [Brian] was in the passenger seat. He looks over here. He said, ‘stop,’ they’re trying to steal the cat,” said Sarah Schroeder. “So I pull over, stop. He jumps out and runs over.”
Derry being a repo man said he’s used to these confrontations.
Sarah Schroeder quickly snapped photos of the suspect’s car, capturing images of a torn temporary tag on the back of the gold-colored SUV.
“He didn’t get away with anything,” said Brian Derry.
Surveillance video also captured the confrontation. You can see a man grabbing things from the back seat of the SUV and then getting out of sight [presumably to get under the car]. Then you see Derry walk up and the gold SUV drive away.
Luckily, the encounter didn’t turn violent, but Denver Police are getting reports that more of these thieves are carrying weapons and working in teams.
“You never know who’s gonna pull out a weapon, pull out a gun or just go crazy. So it is a concern of mine. He’s a little braver than I am and I don’t recommend confronting them necessarily,” said Schroeder. “You know, he handled it and scared the guy off. But yeah, it is. It can be scary. It can be really scary.”
Brian Derry doesn’t drive this car.
“This is a vehicle that I donated to my neighbor. It’s destined to be artwork up here on the wall behind us,” said Derry. “It is the principle you know, you don’t take property that doesn’t belong to you.”
As a repo man, he is familiar with the tools.
“Basically within two minutes he had backed up here, jack the car up, and then another minute and a half he would have had the converter off. This is generally what they use. This is my saw. It’s a cordless Sawzall. They get underneath there and within a minute they’ve sliced two pipes and it drops out and they’ve gone with it,” Derry said. “It’s very quick and easy money.”
“Something needs to be done because if they’re just going to be able to get away with it, they’re going to keep doing it,” Schroeder said.
They suggest there be a limit on how many converters someone can cash in on each year and the recyclers keep a record.
Now, Denver Police say the best thing to do if you catch someone stealing is to be a good witness, try to remember details, and then report it.
Say you’re thinking about a plate of shrimp... and then somebody says “Plate...” or “Shrimp...”
It’s all part of the interconnected latice work of cosmic coincidences...
Yes, don’t confront joggers who are stealing expensive parts off your car that will cause your car not to run anymore. Just lay down and let the criminals destroy our whole civilization. Isn’t that what the media is saying here?
They may have saved the bad guy from a terrible death:
Man dies after being struck by vehicle while attempting to steal catalytic convertor, police say
KCRA ^ | 4-12-2022 | KCRA
Posted on 4/14/2022, 11:59:35 AM by willk
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A man died after he was struck by a vehicle while police believe he was attempting to steal a catalytic converter in Sacramento, authorities said Tuesday.
Officers responded to the 8100 block of Timberlake Drive just before 4:45 a.m. Monday for reports of a collision involving a pedestrian, Sacramento police said. The pedestrian had serious injuries from the crash and he was later pronounced dead at the hospital, police said.
Investigators said they think the man was tampering with the vehicle and trying to steal a catalytic converter before the crash.
Police said the driver of the vehicle was contacted at the scene, and the investigation remains active.
No other details were released.
In most jurisdictions, a CC theft constitutes a felony, therefore deadly force is justified.
This doesn’t happen often in the suburban and rural SE USA. Thieves wouldn’t last long...
“Have you ever seen what a catalytic converter can do to curb the emissions from your a$$hole? Well your about to.”
“It’s very quick and easy money.”
And there’s the problem. I assume these are being sold to metal scrappers...why is that allowed?
I know the pawn shop industry had regulations about what they buy do they not?
My county started doing this years ago. Copper pipe, a/c units, catalytic converters, etc., need to produce license and sign.
Cops: Civilians shouldn’t try to stop crime.
Also Cops: We’ll be out in 8-10 hours to take a report.
Why? So they can do nothing about it?
Cause that’s what’s going to happen.
Also cops: if you do use force to protect your property we are happy to arrest you… it beats having to hassle real criminals.
cops arent even responding to many crimes anymore- because of defending and lack of personnel
Exactly!
Did he know the SSS rule?
So police are telling people to simply “let them steal it”...then you’ll be out $1500-$5000 and who knows how long to wait for the part. Screw that-—I’m tired of criminals running unopposed!
And there’s the problem. I assume these are being sold to metal scrappers...why is that allowed?
I’m for outlawing the sale of catalytic converters to scrapyards unless they come in attached to a vehicle that’s being scrapped and has a title. If someone shows up with an unattached cat there’s about a 99% chance it’s stolen and the salvage yards know this. They just grin and hand the cash over no questions asked. They’re a big part of the problem. Start prosecuting them for receiving stolen merchandise, throw them in jail and fine the hell out of theme. This crap will stop pretty quick.
Oh, you like us to buy your catalytic converter?
Sorry, it is only good for $200 with a new car purchase at a manufacturer authorized dealer.
in some states, a person’s car is cconsidered their castle, if ya catch my drift.
What a shame.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.