the Paper - Kosciusko County Edition - February 16, 2022

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Wednesday, February 16, 2022

TAX SERVICE

Serving Kosciusko County and important parts of Noble & Marshall Counties

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574-505-0813 By Appointment Only 9581 E. 100 N., Akron, IN 46910 E-mail: tom@tombauterscpa.com

Vol. 51, No. 34

Milford (574) 658-4111 • Warsaw (574) 269-2932 • Syracuse (574) 457-3666

114 W. Market, Warsaw, Indiana 46580

CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFTS:

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The thefts of catalytic converters has increased more than 300 percent in the last two years. And, as some see easy profit in selling the valu-veeable parts, more are feeling the inconvenience and headaches these thefts can cause. Kara Trimmer, with Cathy’s Cleaning in Syracuse, didn’t notice at first when the converter on her Prius was taken. It had been inoperable due to a computer issue and was parked at the business. Police and insurance agencies have listed the Prius as the number one vehicle that is targeted for the thefts. Trimmer said once she was able to get the car running, she said it made a horrible noise. Thinking it was the muffler, they checked the vehicle and saw the converter had been taken. Trimmer said the theft has, “made my employees feel less safe,” and left her feeling a sense of violation. But since now they know they can be victims, they are taking measures to insure her employees and other vehicles are safe. According to a study conducted by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the number of reported thefts of catalytic converters rose from 3,389 in 2019, to 14,433 in 2020, an increase of more than 325% The increase is the main thrust behind Indiana Fourth District Congressman Jim Baird’s bill, introduced into Congress. The Preventing Auto Recycling Thefts (PART) Act, is designed to help give law enforcement officers another tool to use in the recovery, deterrence and arrest of those dealing in stolen auto parts. The bill requires convert-

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ers be stamped with the vehicle’s VIN (vehicle identification number). Law enforcement isn’t being idle waiting on the law, however. Police officials in Kosciusko County have noted a rise in the thefts in outlying areas. In January, police in Elkhart executed a search warrant at an auto salvage yard in Bristol and recovered more than 1,000 catalytic converters seized which were not properly documented. Typically, it costs between $1,000- $3,000 to replace and repair the damage once a converter is removed. In one instance, the thieves cut not only the converter, but also the fuel line on a vehicle. When the owner started it, the vehicle caught on fire and was a total loss. The converters help curb harmful emissions that come from vehicles. They are made up of a special coating. The coating uses several precious metals, including platinum, palladium and rhodium.

Correcting the law in Indiana only pushes the perpetrators across state lines, to Michigan and Ohio, where the salvage laws are not as restrictive. Thieves can get up to $700 for converters and the recycled metals. The ripple affect of the thefts not only touches the vehicle owners, but also insurance companies and mechanics. The theft not no only affects the vehicle’s owner, but it also involves the owner’s insurance companies, as well as local auto repair shops. Most insurance agencies that were contacted in Kosciusko County have admitted they have not seen a rise in claims on the thefts, citing even though the theft may be covered under comprehensive insurance, the deductible, as well as the cost of the replacement parts, may deter them from filing. Local auto repair shops have seen an increase in the thefts. One mechanic said he knew personally of one shop that has replaced the converters on at least five different vehicles during the past month. If your converter is stolen, there are several things you are recommended to do. (1) Make a police report. (2) Contact your insurance company. (3) Visit a mechanic. (4) Invest in a converter shield. (5) Park your car so access to your converter is more difficult, like next to a curb. With more awareness, citizens can step up and convert these thieves into inmates.


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