WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another catalytic converter stolen

| Crime | West Seattle news

From Sharon in the 9400 block of 20th SW:

Heads up. West Seattle neighbors:

Between 9 pm and 5:25 am today, our 2007 Toyota Prius had the catalytic converter stolen. They cut out the front and back flanges that hold it there (better resale value, because it can be sold as complete). They even took the bolts. Husband took to muffler shop and someone else was there that got hit last night too.

Southwest Precinct Crime-Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner recently sent an alert including advice on how to protect your car.

CharlesDarwin October 22, 2020 (8:16 pm)

This past weekend, I saw someone on a skateboard holding two catalytic converters. He appeared to be in rough shape, wearing dirty clothes and mismatched shoes. I took photos and reported this to the police. They have not yet followed up with me.

Max October 22, 2020 (9:08 pm)

What is it about Priuses? Mine was stolen too and those are the only cars I see reported about catalytic thefts.

Mike October 22, 2020 (11:01 pm)

Easy access, high value for rare metals inside it, quick cash at the metal recycler. Voice your concern to the local politicians.

bolo October 22, 2020 (11:21 pm)

Something about it being a hybrid so the engine runs infrequently and can’t maintain high exhaust temperatures so the catalytic converter contains more of the expensive platinum to compensate. Do you also wonder if the thieves are selling them to the shops for them to reinstall them on the cars they were stolen from?

22blades October 23, 2020 (6:35 am)

They are of ZERO value until SOMEONE buys them.

Sillygoose October 23, 2020 (8:50 am)

This is exactly why we park in our garage and constantly dispute new construction that doesn’t provide garages!! King County construction and design needs to be held accountable for all construction that doesn’t provide parking and these tiny little boxes they are calling garaged is ridiculous.

Yma October 23, 2020 (1:32 pm)

I WISH we could park Prius in garage or even driveway. Unfortunately – we have the original old driveway which is too steep for a Prius. Have been told that we cannot fill-in said unusable driveway – even though the driveway & garage are completely defunct for more modern, smaller auto. So – have been taking up room on the street, higher chance of theft, & in the winter – lots of scraping frost/ice off the windshield… Argh.

kt October 23, 2020 (1:44 pm)

Had one stolen from borrowed Prius, while in process of replacing stolen Subaru wagon that was found five days later, engine totally destroyed, battery gone, radio (metal). Learned thief only got part of catalytic converter, as apparently interrupted. Alki Auto replaced missing part for $300, much less than cost thru insurance for replacing, deductible, and rates going up from claiming. The Subaru had gang tags all inside, thus imagine who stole that. The converter, could be pros that pull up w/ a lift such as I heard they do on Capitol Hill anyway, or on a skateboard as other poster here stated. There is a device one can have installed to prevent theft of converter. Don’t know how effective though anything to deter, slow them down, then they’ll move to next car. Alarms, cameras, lights, kill switches, tracking devices, dogs.

jonathan vogel October 23, 2020 (2:46 pm)

You need something like this. Better than the alternative. It’s completely obvious they are coming for you if you own the right car.

payattention October 23, 2020 (4:21 pm)

22blades is correct. Recyclers KNOW they’re buying stolen goods. And until they’re held accountable they’re happy to make money from receiving stolen goods. And please, if anyone think’s they don’t know i’d love to see the proof.

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