Life in NYC

Catalytic converter theft soaring by as much as 600% in NYC

By 

Dean Balsamini

August 20, 2022 11:26am 

 Updated

Catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed in the Big Apple as the NYPD reported more than 5,000 heists in 2022 so far.Utah Attorney General's Office via AP

Catalytic converter thieves are revving up their operations in the Big Apple — the crime has accelerated 269% so far this year, NYPD data show.

Citywide, 5,548 catalytic converters have been ripped off through Aug. 14, compared to the same period last year, when 1,505 were reported stolen, according to the stats.

Queens leads the five boroughs with 2,092 converter thefts in 2022, compared to 574 in the same period last year — a hefty 264% hike.

Staten Island auto repair mechanics claim suspects are coming from New Jersey to nab catalytic converters.

Christopher Sadowski