the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, NJ Transit Police Report Catalytic Converter Thefts are on the Rise.
๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ถ๐ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ณ๐? ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ถ๐ฐ๐น๐ฒ!โฃ
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Throughout the country, catalytic converter thefts are on the rise. Victims face costly repairs and a major inconvenience. In addition to our patrols of NJ Transit parking lots, we want your vehicle protected abroad as well. Please review these tips to help protect your vehicle. Share with friends and family to raise awareness.โฃ
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๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ถ๐ ๐ฎ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ?โฃ
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A vehicleโs catalytic converter helps to reduce harmful exhaust emissions by means of chemical reactions. Thieves are targeting catalytic converters (Cats) because they contain precious metals. The Cats are often removed relatively quickly. โฃ
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๐๐ผ๐ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ ๐บ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ถ๐ฐ๐น๐ฒ?โฃ
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If you are parked at an NJ Transit station or facility, you may notice NJTPD officers on patrol and on the lookout. (STILL) REMAIN ALERT when leaving or returning to your vehicle. If you notice suspicious activity contact NJTPD 24/7 via text: 65873 or phone: 1-888-TIPS-NJT.โฃ
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Park in well-lit areas that are close to building entrances whenever possible.โฃ
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Install a vehicle alarm that is equipped with a tilt and vibration sensor. If the vehicle is already equipped with a security system, check to ensure that tilt and vibration sensors are activated and calibrated.โฃ
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Install a catalytic converter protection shield or lock. These devices take extra time to be defeated making your vehicle a less desirable target.โฃ
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When possible at home, park in a garage and lock your garage door.โฃ
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No garage? install motion sensor lights and or cameras to monitor your parked vehicle.โฃ
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Consider having your VIN number etched on the catalytic converter. This can aid in recovery.โฃ
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๐๐ผ๐ฒ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ถ๐?โฃ
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Comprehensive coverage can help to cover the damage and replacement. A liability-only policy offers no protection for theft or related damages. Check with your insurance company to confirm you are covered.โฃ
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The above information does not concern electric vehicles as they do not have catalytic converters.โฃ
Where are the catalytic converters being fenced?
Stop that and you stop the thefts.
It’s not that simple. Close on shop and another opens. Like playing whack-a-mole.
Youโre never going to stop these thieves, stealing parts cars supply and demand. If thereโs money to be made this is what happens, he keeps the police working