Catalytic converter thefts continue to plague area

Whitley County Constable Ron “Bubba” Bowling is warning boaters using boat ramps around Laurel Lake that they could return from a day on the lake to find the catalytic converter cut off of their tow vehicle.

Bowling said vehicles at the Flatwoods, Marsh Branch and High Top boat ramps have all been victimized.

“It used to be that if you took your boat out on the lake, the most you had to worry about was someone breaking out a window, or stealing the change out of your cup holder,” Bowling said.

Bowling said the thieves have the equipment and tools necessary to target multiple vehicles.

“They have creepers to roll under the vehicles and cordless tools,” Bowling explained noting the thief will roll from one vehicle to another.

Bowling said the victims only become aware when they start up the vehicle.

“It will sound like your vehicle doesn’t have an exhaust system,” Bowling said.

Bowling said multiple law enforcement agencies, including Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Forest Service and the sheriff’s departments in Whitley and Laurel counties have stepped up patrols at the boat ramps.

“The problem is these patrols are highly visible, so the thieves can just wait until they leave, or move on to a different location,” Bowling said. “The officers cannot be everywhere at once.”

Bowling said in addition to the boat ramps, the thieves have been targeting U-Haul vehicles and are continuing to go after the catalytic converters on church vans and similar vehicles.

“Different vehicles have different converters, and different converters have different values,” Bowling said.

Bowling, who operates one of the local U-Haul rental locations, said U-Haul has begun putting cages around the exhaust system.

Bowling said it is important for victims to contact law enforcement to report thefts.

“A lot of people are not reporting it,” Bowling said noting that more people reporting the incident may provide law enforcement with additional leads.

“There is such a demand for catalytic converters that we have to identify the source of the demand,” Bowling said.