SEPTA, Local Police Discuss Catalytic Converter Thefts

Since the spring, some commuters parking in SEPTA regional rail lots have noticed an important and lucrative car part missing after returning from work: catalytic converters.

The large, low-hanging emissions converter is rich in precious metals and has served as a target for thieves at Montgomery, Delaware and Chester County train stations, according to SEPTA, thus causing the transit authority to increase patrols with local police.

"We first noticed it in the spring ... At SEPTA transit lots, people most likely park in the morning and do not get back until evening and that's attractive," transit spokesperson Andrew Busch said. "For vehicles that sit higher, unfortunately it's fairly easy to do. I don't want to give a how-to guide, but if you have a hacksaw and you know what you're doing, it doesn't take much."

Routine police blotter scans demonstrate periodic converter thefts in , and Lower Merion ( and ). 

For the full story, read it on Media Patch here.