1 day ago Share A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that reduces toxic gases and pollutants being emitted from vehicles; thieves cut them from vehicles and sell them to scrap metal dealers. by: Brittany Kershaw Public Affairs Manager, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Flagler County (along with the rest of the nation) has seen an increase in the theft of catalytic converters. A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that reduces toxic gases and pollutants being emitted from vehicles. Thieves cut them from vehicles and sell them to scrap metal dealers because they contain precious metals, including rhodium, platinum, and palladium. Repairing vehicles form these thefts are over $1,500 each.
Jorge Luis Toledo, left, and Oscar Olascoaga. Flagler County Sheriff’s detectives were receiving “a large influx of calls” about stolen catalytic converters. They were also detecting multiple Facebook Marketplace postings by two men announcing: “all catalytic converters get paid cash in hand same day pickup.” No wonder: catalytic converters can be more valuable contraband than drugs–easier to acquire, easier to sell, and less punishable if caught. There are no aggravating factors that could turn a second degree felony into a first degree felony if the seller is transacting, say, within 1,000 feet of a school or a park. The transactions can just as easily take place