New Cumberland Police Warn of Rising Catalytic Converter Thefts

The New Cumberland Police Department reports a regional increase in catalytic converter thefts; converters contain valuable metals (platinum, palladium, rhodium) and can be removed in under two minutes with portable power tools. Officers say thieves often target trucks, SUVs, vans and hybrid vehicles and recommend parking in locked or well-lit areas, installing alarms or protective shields, engraving VINs or painting converters, and calling 911 for active thefts or non-emergency dispatch to report suspicious activity—do not approach suspects.