Between January 12-14, Takoma Park Police officers responded to six thefts of catalytic converters. More, per Takoma Park Police:
400 block of Elm Avenue: Officers responded on January 12 at approximately 9:00 am for a stolen catalytic converter from the victim’s 2010 Toyota Prius. It is believed to have occcurred sometime between January 11 at 7:00 pm and January 12 at 8:45 am. Case #250001509
This incident occurred in Ward 3.
500 block of Elm Avenue: Officers responded on January 14 at approximately 5:47 am for two stolen catalytic converters from the victims’ 2006 and 2009 Toyota Prius vehicles. It is believed to have occcurred sometime between January 13 at 10:00 pm and January 14 at 5:00 am. Case #250001765
This incident occurred in Ward 2.
7600 block of Maple Avenue: Officers responded on January 14 at approximately 11:09 am for a stolen catalytic converter from the victim’s 2015 Toyota Prius. It is believed to have occcurred sometime between January 13 at 7:23 pm and January 14 at 8:18 am. Case #250001818
This incident occurred in Ward 4.
Unit block of Crescent Place: Officers responded on January 14 at approximately 1:15 pm for a stolen catalytic converter from the victim’s 2015 Toyota Prius. It is believed to have occcurred sometime between January 11 at an unknown time and January 12 at 8:40 am. Case #250001842
This incident occurred in Ward 1.
7600 block of Maple Avenue: Officers responded on January 14 at approximately 4:09 pm for a stolen catalytic converter from the victim’s 2012 Toyota Prius. It is believed to have occcurred sometime between January 13 at 5:00 pm and January 14 at 10:00 am. Case #250001864
In an effort to deter would-be thieves and to track stolen catalytic converters, the Takoma Park Police Department has teamed up with RS Automotive on Carroll Avenue and Lowe’s. People who want their catalytic converters etched and painted can visit RS Automotive, 7224 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland, to have their license plate number etched onto their catalytic converter, free of charge. An appointment is needed – 301-270-4418.
Our goal is to deter potential thieves looking to steal catalytic converters. If your catalytic converter is stolen and recovered, law enforcement will be able to trace the converter based on the markings.
When you call to make an appointment, make sure to mention the “Etch and Catch” program. Also note that the business has the right to refuse service.
We would like to thank RS Automotive for partnering with us on this crime prevention tool. Without their help, this program would not be possible. As a community, we need to work together to prevent crime, and this shop has gone above and beyond in its efforts. We hope that others automotive businesses in the vicinity of Takoma Park join us. We would also like to thank Lowe’s for donating the tools to assist us in this program.
We are asking for our community’s help to prevent catalytic converter theft and to assist with apprehending suspects. If you hear strange noises during the night, such as power tools or sawing, if you see a vehicle stopped in the middle of the road alongside a parked vehicle, if you see or hear ANYTHING out of the ordinary, please call (301) 270-1100.
For more information about catalytic converters, please visit: https://takomaparkmd.gov/government/police/services-and-programs/catalytic-converter-etching-program/