CHICAGO Mt GREENWOOD CRIME ALERT - Parked Vehicle's Catalytic Converter Crooks Pull Off Six Heists in One Night

Cops tell residents to watch for double-parked cars in early morning hours.

The catalytic converter crooks are at it again, this time working the Mt. Greenwood and Morgan Park neighborhoods.

Six thefts were reported from vehicles on Feb. 20, all occurring between 3 and 6:30 a.m., 22nd District Police said.

Incidents were reported at the following locations:

10300 Block of Central Park
10400 Block of Lawndale
10500 Block of Millard
3800 Block of West 109th St.
11000 Block of Talman
11400 Block of Washtenaw

Police said residential security cameras show two males exist a light colored 4-door sedan. The passenger crawls under the car to cut off the converter, while the driver exits the car to stand watch.

The driver takes the converter from his accomplice and puts it in the trunk before driving away.

Catalytic converters are part of modern vehicles’ (manufactured after 1974) exhaust systems that aid in reducing pollution. Many contain precious metals such as platinum which make them valuable to thieves. The parts have a street value of $100 to $200 but repairs can cost between $300 to $2,000.

What you can do:

Be alert to double-parked cars, especially in the early morning hours. These offenders double park their car keeping it running during the thefts.

Listen for cutting tools in the early morning hours. Scrap thieves use a handheld power saw to detach the converters. Look outside and call police if you hear cutting tools.

Pay special attention to suspicious persons or vehicles loitering in the area.

Be aware of this situation and tell your neighbors.

Call 911 immediately and provide a detailed description of any suspicious people, including vehicle description and license plate information.

If you noticed unusual activity in the neighborhood during the overnight hours of Feb. 20, or if you have information about these incidents, please call Area South Detectives 312-747-8273.

Reference RD#s: HZ158640, HZ161356, HZ-158566, HZ158383, HZ158958, HZ158588.