Catalytic converter thieves strike near Lake Cushman

Matt Baide | Nov 11, 20210

Lake Cushman Maintenance Company has been the victim of theft twice in the span of a week.

According to General Manager Aaron Nix, the company has had people cutting off the catalytic converters to some of their vehicles, along with stealing some tools and truck battery. There were two separate incidents of theft in the early morning hours of Oct. 25 and Oct. 30.

The thefts occurred at its maintenance shops and both instances have been reported to the Mason County Sheriff’s Office and investigations are ongoing.

The theft on Oct. 25 accounted for almost $2,000 worth of stolen items, including two catalytic converters. On Oct. 30, five catalytic converters were stolen, which are worth $3,000.

Mason County Sheriff’s Chief Criminal Deputy Ryan Spurling said there has been an increase in these types of crimes.

“The whole state has seen an increase in stolen converters and that increase bleeds over into our community,” Spurling told the Journal. “Selling catalytic converters for the precious metal, I think the cameras are a key piece to be able to possibly solve them. The easier it is to access them, the more vulnerable you are. For taller vehicles, it’s easier to go underneath and get it off.”

Spurling also said Toyota Prius’ are more likely to have their catalytic converters stolen due to having more precious metal. He recommended parking where there is a camera filming and where cars are highly visible in public.

Car thefts are up, according to Spurling, saying there are people coming onto other’s property and stealing things. He said to be sure lock your car and not leave packages or items visible in the car, and also advised to not start your car early in the morning and leave your keys in it.

“There are many pieces to that pie, I don’t have the main reason,” Spurling said. “We’ve seen an increase in stolen vehicles. General safety and security, be aware where you park them. Think like maybe a criminal might think, am I an easy target or victim? People need to do something to prevent that from occurring.”