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ALERT: Thefts of Catalytic Converters from Vehicles Under Investigation in Newark

Newark

Police in Newark are on the search for suspects wanted for thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles in the city. 

According to the police, the thefts usually occur late at night when it is hard for cameras to catch details.

According to a preliminary investigation, police say in this morning's incident, officers were called to a home on Oraton Street to investigate reports of a theft of a catalytic converter. When officers arrived, the owner of a vehicle showed police a surveillance video that depicted two male suspects exit a car with a saw and jack in hand.  

 

 

 

Then, in under two minutes, the suspect stole the catalytic converter from the vehicle and sped away from the scene. 

Mechanics in Newark's North Ward told RLS Media that catalytic converters are apart of a vehicle’s exhaust system that reduces burnt engine gasses and pollutants. It catalyzes oxidants through chemical reactions as they move through the converter.

According to North Ward mechanics, these thieves are attracted to certain metals inside of the catalytic converters that are valuable.

Palladium, one of the metals inside, goes for almost $2,500 an ounce. There is also platinum, rhodium, and more. They help the converter to catalyze the oxidation of gasses. Known as rare metals, as prices rise so do thefts, the mechanics said. 

Police are looking for a black Acura sedan - dropped low - with tinted windows which is occupied by two suspects who have committed these thefts in the region. 

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