Boise police arrest 2 in catalytic converter thefts, cite figures showing rising problem
The Boise Police Department said Wednesday it had arrested two individuals accused in the thefts of vehicles’ catalytic converters — a problem that is on the rise in many states and in Boise.
According to a Boise Police Department Facebook post, units from different Boise divisions worked on an investigation with detectives from the Garden City and Meridian police departments, as well as the Ada County Sheriff’s Office.
The two people arrested face grand theft and malicious injury to property charges, and one of the suspects also faces drug charges. They were arrested this month, the social media post said.
Police also said they are still investigating how many catalytic converter thefts might be tied to the suspects.
Catalytic converters are a vehicle’s filtering device for pollutants and toxic engine exhaust. The device is targeted for containing valuable precious metals such as rhodium, palladium and platinum.
Just this month, authorities in Arizona said they found $250,000 worth of stolen catalytic converters in a man’s home.
In recent years, catalytic converter theft has increased in Boise. Haley Williams, spokesperson for the Boise Police Department, said city records reflect that the number of stolen catalytic converters or theft attempts has ballooned the past two years, more than tripling from 2020.
Through June 5 of this year, there were 89 such cases in 2022 — compared to 88 in all of 2021.
To avoid getting your catalytic converter stolen, Boise police remind drivers to be aware of their surroundings when parking.
“Attempt to park in a garage, secure area, or somewhere with good lighting and foot traffic whenever possible,” the Boise Police Department said. “Also, always lock your car doors and remove valuable items, including firearms, before leaving your vehicle.”
