Police: Theft of catalytic converters from Human Services part of ongoing problem

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Five catalytic converters were cut off vehicles parked at Human Services Inc. on Indianapolis Road Thursday night, the latest incident in a rash of catalytic converter thefts in Columbus, police said.

"This is an epidemic. We are seeking a lot of this," said Lt. Matt Myers, spokesperson for the Columbus Police Department.

Catalytic converters are the part of an exhaust system that reduces toxic emissions from internal combustion engines. They are targeted by thieves because of precious metals they contain, such as platinum, rhodium and palladium. Thieves sell the catalytic converters for scrap metal, Myers said.

Police are checking surveillance video at Human Services and contacting scrap yards for any leads.

Myers said police believe the culprits are from out of town and targeting businesses because they have large clusters of vehicles to target.

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