WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: More catalytic-converter thefts

4:27 PM: This time, the report is from Joanna: “Unfortunately the catalytic converter was stolen from my Prius this week while parked on the residential street on the corner of SW Edmunds St and 41st Ave SW. I took my car into an auto shop in west Seattle and they said I was their 10th recently and that not much can be done to prevent it (besides not parking on the street).” Southwest Precinct Crime-Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner did recently send an alert that included this other bit of advice: “Speak with your vehicle manufacturer to inquire about specific devices that can be added to shield or lock the catalytic converter.”

ADDED SATURDAY NIGHT: April has since emailed to tell us about her theft in Fauntleroy: “We just figured out that our Prius, parked in front of our house on 44th and SW and Wildwood/Brace Point, had its catalytic converter stolen on Tuesday night. Thieves put a concrete clump behind the rear wheel, which is what we saw initially and couldn’t figure out what it was doing there… until I tried to start the car a couple of days later. They likely boosted the car onto the concrete while they removed the converter.”

12 Replies to "WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: More catalytic-converter thefts"

  • ITotallyAgreeWithYou October 10, 2020 (4:46 pm)

    Sorry this happened to you- what a headache. In looking more into CC protections I found this: https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/advice/vehicle-crime/vehicle-crime/catalytic-converter-theft-prevention-advice

  • Carole October 10, 2020 (5:28 pm)

    I put this on mine after my theft. I know several other people who have done the same.  This should do the trick.https://getcatsecurity.com/

  • Jim October 10, 2020 (7:12 pm)

    A vibration alarm (movement or proximity )  might be a help too.

  • Scott Flaherty October 10, 2020 (7:16 pm)

    After having the entire exhaust system cut off one vehicle in May, we’ve had our gas line cut into for siphoning on another vehicle (we dared to have a locking gas cap).  While I am empathetic, when do we begin to remove static homeless colonies full of growing piles of scrap or begin punishing the folks buying the platinum and other scrap?

  • Miffed Marge October 10, 2020 (10:15 pm)

    The catalytic converter was stolen off my Prius very early this morning/late last night. The car was parked at 32nd Ave SW, near SW Kenyon. Disappointed to learn from our mechanic that this is happening to so many Priuses that the part is backordered.

  • Rene October 11, 2020 (12:03 am)

    When my neighbor had theirs stolen it was early morning and caught a glimpse of a vehicle with the tailgate open driving off in a hurry. Unfortunately I couldn’t capture the license plate or the model of the car but it was an older model, damaged, dirty cream/champagne four door sedan. They left my neighbor’s Prius up on a Jack they abandoned. How is it that SPD can’t get any business security footage or other descriptions from witnesses? This is an organized operation. They seem to be prowling systematically. 

  • West Seattle Lurker October 11, 2020 (10:00 am)

    Have the police added any extra patrols since this started occurring?  They all seem to occur in the same area. 

    • WSB October 11, 2020 (3:57 pm)

      No, they’re not all in the same area. Just the two above alone are far apart – The Junction and Fauntleroy – and our past reports have been from various areas of West Seattle.

  • Quiet Desperation October 12, 2020 (5:46 pm)

    We just got a theft shield for ours – $500 installed at Doyle’s.  Given not only the expense but the inconvenience of having it stolen, it seemed wise.

  • Aley Thompson October 12, 2020 (8:53 pm)

    Ours was stolen last week in South Park. People living in an RV across the street witnessed it happening.

  • Lisa Marcus October 15, 2020 (8:51 pm)

    Five catalytic converters stolen/sawed off of our trucks last night Oct. 15!  Near Aurora Ave and 200th.

  • Joseph Smith October 21, 2020 (3:31 pm)

    Happened to my neighbors car, ended up getting a cat shield from Miller CAT. I guess they are the brand Toyota recommends to all their dealers according to their website. Doesn’t seem like the problem will go away, so i didnt want to end up being a victim. 

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