Catalytic converters stolen from UA student vehicles

By Olivia Hunter, Contributor

Jayeon Thompson, a 19-year-old freshman at The University of Akron, headed to his vehicle on what he thought was a normal Saturday morning. Unfortunately, he soon noticed that something was off.

Thompson’s Toyota Tacoma was parked in Lot 36, just across from Exchange Street Residence Hall.

When Thompson started his vehicle, he noticed a loud rumbling noise coming from the engine. After calling the dealership where he purchased his truck; Thompson was told that the noise was probably due to his catalytic converter being stolen, and that he should bring in the vehicle to be looked at.

“It couldn’t have happened at a worse time,” Thompson said. “I usually don’t leave campus, but on this day, I got up early to head to my sister’s gymnastics meet in Columbus. She qualified for the state meet this year and I really wanted to be there to support her, but sadly, I couldn’t make it.”

After talking with the dealership, Thompson called campus police who redirected him to the Akron Police Department. As an officer arrived at the scene, Thompson was able to file a report.

“The officer had mentioned that someone had been caught stealing catalytic converters nearby from other vehicles just an hour before I called,” Thompson said. “He said that it was probably the same person, but I haven’t followed up to see if it was. I took my truck into the dealership in the morning and didn’t get it back until the next day. I just hope insurance will cover the damage,”

“We see tons of catalytic converters thefts due to the recyclable metals in them. Thieves will cut them out of random cars and trade them in at pawn shops for money. We often see this particular crime done in groups, but it is still sometimes a one-person job. Parking decks are often a target area. One person slides under the car with a hacksaw or other tools and cuts it off. Cars in driveways are also hit,” said Jason McKeel, an Akron police officer.

In December of 2022, a similar instance occurred. Keely Hebb, a junior at The University of Akron, was getting ready to travel home in the upcoming week for Christmas when her catalytic converter was stolen.

According to Cleveland 19 News report, Hebb had her vehicle parked in the Twin Oaks Manor Apartments parking deck at the time of the incident.

The Twin Oaks Manor Apartment building is just nine minutes away from campus. The three male suspects who were involved in stealing Keely’s catalytic converter were caught on camera unlike in Jayeon Thompson’s case.

The Cleveland 19 News report mentioned that the owner of the apartment building stated this wasn’t the first time something like this has happened at the building, as it also wasn’t the first time Hebb had her catalytic converter stolen.

The thieves unfortunately took multiple other parts of Keely’s car, which resulted in the damage being just one thousand dollars short of what she paid to buy the vehicle.

Officer Jason Mckeel does have some recommendations to protect students’ vehicles.

“Park in a busy lot and not in a secluded place. This won’t necessarily prevent thefts but will reduce chances. The good thing is, a car can still be driven without a catalytic converter, it will just be very loud. If you suspect your catalytic converter to be stolen, call the police and file a report. You’ll also have to get your exhaust repaired by a shop or dealership,” said Mckeel.