PEORIA, Ill. – Something reportedly happening nationwide is definitely happening in the Peoria area, and probably more than police are hearing about.
It’s the theft of catalytic converters from area vehicles. Peoria Police say they’ve received 22 such reports since October 1.
Police were unavailable for an interview, but say of those thefts, half happened between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., with another third happening between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Two-thirds are being taken from vehicles parked in business lots.
A local not-for-profit whose representative declined to be interviewed told us it has happened at least twice to them, and they believe most of the thefts aren’t even being reported to police.
Experts say the metal in catalytic converters is likely valuable to thieves.
