Local Chicago's Channel 2 News reported tonight thieves are now sliding under cars with a battery operated Saws-All and are cutting the Catalytic Converters out of the exhaust systems and selling them for scrap. Cars 1975 and newer are effected.
Catalytic Converters now contain a variety of precious metals such as titanium, platinum and porcelain which has driven up the scrap cost which prompts thieves to steal them.
A Gurnee, Illinois Subaru dealer had 43 converters stolen new this past week. Damage is estimated at $43,000