Cedarhurst Sees Significant Increase In Stolen Catalytic Converters

Catalytic converters are continuously being stolen around the community, especially from Honda models.

It only takes a few minutes for the thief to go under a car and cut it out. It costs about $800 to replace it on older Hondas, and a couple of thousand dollars (approximately) on the newer ones. Older Honda Pilots, newer CRV’s, and Odysseys are more targeted then other makes and models.

This has been taking place on a regular basis in Cedarhurst, especially on rainy Friday nights when people are not out. Please keep a watchful eye and see the steps below laid out by Nassau Police on how you can protect your vehicles from these thefts.

🚨: Catalytic converters contain precious metal
🚨: The most targeted vehicles: Honda Accord and Toyota Prius
🚨: It is illegal to drive without your catalytic converter
✅: Park in well-lit areas
✅: Report suspicious activity to 911
✅: Consider installing an anti-theft device pic.twitter.com/8fn04EIysy

— NCPD (@NassauCountyPD) February 22, 2022

See Press Release Below:

County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Commissioner of Police Patrick Ryder would like to alert the public that we continue to see an increase in stolen autos and larcenies, especially of catalytic converters, from automobiles. We would like to urge the public to be vigilant using the following safety tips as a high percentage of stolen vehicles are caused by leaving the vehicles FOB/key in the car. 

The thefts are occurring at all times of the day and night in which the car has been left unlocked and the key fob left in a vehicle equipped with a push button start.

The following are police recommendations to help safeguard your vehicle:

• Always lock your vehicle, even when it’s parked in your driveway.
• Park in your garage when possible. If not, park in your driveway if accessible to prevent the theft of your catalytic converter.
• Remember to lock your garage.
• Always take your keys or fob with you.
• Never leave or hide a smart key, valet key, or spare key in your vehicle.
• Never leave your car running, while unattended or unlocked.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Keep the exterior of homes and driveways well illuminated.
• Close all your vehicle windows completely when parked.
• Consider installing a GPS system, a visible anti-theft device or an audible alarm.
• Never leave valuable personal property in your vehicle.
• Also, secure your garage door opener to prevent access to your home.
• On some of the newer model vehicles if the key FOB is left in the vehicle the side view mirrors will not collapse. This can alert anyone by just looking at your vehicle that the FOB is in the vehicle and it can be easily taken.