NEW ROCHELLE – Police in New Rochelle have recovered 36 catalytic converters that were cut out of automobile exhaust systems.
Those devices contain platinum, which makes them a target for thieves who turn them in to scrap metal dealers for cash.
On the afternoon of June 21, detectives were alerted by the Westchester County Police Real Time Crime Center that a Dodge Challenger suspected of being used by catalytic converter thieves had entered New Rochelle via I-95.
Detectives canvassed the area and found the vehicle in the Home Depot parking lot.
The operator was observed in the process of exchanging a suitcase with the driver of a Jeep Cherokee.
When they saw the police, the driver of the Dodge fled on foot and the Jeep took off on I-95.
The suitcase containing three catalytic converters was left behind and when the Dodge Challenger was examined, they found 36 of the devices along with a Sawzall and extra blades.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the case is asked to call New Rochelle Police at 914-654-2300.
