PORT TOWNSEND — A resident of a central Port Townsend neighborhood says he has been the victim of thieves who cut the catalytic converters off a truck parked in front of his home.
“They”re using a pipe cutter, which is quiet,” said John Montgomery, who lives off San Juan Avenue above 19th.
Port Townsend Police Sgt. Ed Green said Sunday he is aware of one report of a stolen catalytic converter in Port Townsend in recent days.
“I thought it was a little odd,” said Green.
“This is kind of an unorthodox crime.”
Green said the best way to prevent this theft from taking place is for people to park their cars and trucks in well-lit areas where they can keep an eye on them.
Montgomery said that three of his neighbors’ vehicles were hit recently.
“At $300 to $500, it’s an expensive fix for something the perpetrators get $20 to $30 for,” Montgomery said.
Catalytic converters contain platinum, which can be sold to metal recyclers, said Montgomery.
