Cut and Run Catalytic Converter thieves getting bolder

A catalytic converter is a part of the exhaust system that eliminates unspent fuels before the exhaust is emitted from the tailpipe.

An employee at Home Depot reported to The Dalles Police on Monday, Sept. 26, that her car was sounding strange when she drove home that day, according to The Dalles Police Log.

She had her son check out the Toyota Prius and found out that the catalytic converter had been cut our of the vehicle. 

Thieves often use battery-powered reciprocating saws to cut the converters out, and the Prius is a prime target as the converters are heavy with precious metals to burn off unspent fuel in the emission system. 

The log states that Asset Protection at Home Depot is working to retrieve video footage to see if a thief can be identified.