Catalytic Converters, Batteries Stolen Out Of Dublin Cars

Parking Lots are becoming a one-stop shop for criminals, who are reaching into cars and taking what they want.

Nearly two dozen catalytic converters have been stolen from cars in Dublin, as well as a half dozen batteries.

Dublin police say it's happening in public lots, where thieves can swoop in, steal the metal, and get out without ever being caught.

 “In my career, I don't ever remember car batteries being an item people targeted, so this is kind of a new one for us,” said Dublin’s Chief of Police, Heinz Von Eckartsberg.

Dublin's police chief says people are now stealing car batteries for scrap metal.

“Since August 21st, we've seen five thefts of car batteries from cars, which is very, very unusual. We don't usually see that,” said Von Eckartsberg.

Car batteries have lead in them and catalytic converters have gold and platinum.

Dublin's police chief says typically these are crimes of opportunity, where people leave doors unlocked and windows open.

Tes Miller told 10TV that this is exactly what happened to her.

“I left the door unlocked that day by accident,” said Miller.

After putting in a full shift at work, she says she tried to start her car, and when it didn't, she knew something was wrong.

It’s only when she went to look for her jumper cables, did she realize, not only were they missing, but so were several items in her car, along with her battery.

Dublin's police chief says typically, the thefts from vehicles happen commercial lots by people who are doing this for a living, usually fueled by drug dependency, and usually do not live in Dublin.

The Chief urges people to be aware of their surroundings and report anything suspicious to police.

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