Elkhart, IN – Medix Specialty Vehicles, an ambulance manufacturer in Elkhart, was targeted by thieves over the weekend.
The company reported that 58 catalytic converters were stolen from their vehicles, marking the seventh such incident this year accounting for nearly half of all lstolen converters in Elkhart this year.
According to the Elkhart Police Department, catalytic converters are highly sought after by thieves due to the valuable metals they contain, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. The thefts typically occur quickly and often go unnoticed until the vehicle is started, revealing the missing part through loud exhaust noises.
To combat this rising crime, police recommend several preventive measures. Vehicle owners should park in well-lit areas with surveillance cameras when possible. Additionally, etching the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto the catalytic converter can help trace the part if stolen and may deter potential thieves.
