Crime Alert – Catalytic Converter Thefts
Over the past several months, there has been an increase in catalytic converter thefts throughout Newark and New Castle County. The City of Newark has experienced thefts throughout the City, including residential neighborhoods and industrial parks. The information and tips below may help prevent becoming the victim of a catalytic converter theft.
What is a catalytic converter?
The catalytic converter turns dangerous pollutants into harmless gases. It has been a required feature of a vehicle’s exhaust system since the 1970s and is located near the engine’s exhaust manifold on most cars. It can be easily seen from underneath a car.
How/why are catalytic converters stolen?
Suspects often remove catalytic converters with saws and snipping tools. The entire process can take just minutes. Catalytic converters are sold for the precious metals they contain.
How do you know your catalytic converter is missing?
You will be able to tell that something is wrong immediately after turning on the car after your catalytic converter has been stolen. You will notice the following three signs:
- A loud rumbling or roaring sound will emanate from the engine, which will increase in volume as you press the gas pedal.
- The car will drive rough and feel like it is sputtering while changing speeds.
- If you check beneath the car from the back side, you will notice a gaping hole in the machinery, near the middle of the exhaust system. In addition, pieces of piping will be torn away.
Most frequently targeted vehicles:
Vehicles in commercial/industrial establishments that are not in view of surveillance systems. In Newark, Honda Elements and Honda CRVs are the most frequently targeted vehicles.
How to prevent catalytic converter theft:
Since converter thieves tend to target cars at ideal locations, most prevention methods surround parking practices. Here are six tips to prevent catalytic converter theft:
- Park in well-lit areas.
- Park close to building entrances or the nearest road in public parking lots. This leaves your vehicle in a location where many people can see it.
- If you have a personal garage, keep your vehicle parked inside with the door shut.
- Add video surveillance to the area where you regularly park your vehicle.
- Install a catalytic converter-specific security device, or have the catalytic converter welded to the vehicle’s frame. You can also engrave your vehicle’s VIN number on the catalytic converter.
- Adjust the security system on your vehicle, if already installed, to activate from vibrations, such as those produced by a saw.
Remember to call the police agency where your car was parked when your catalytic converter was stolen to report the theft. Provide any identifying details that you can.
Two Charged With Robbery at East Main Street Motel
On January 16, 2021, at 1145 hours, Newark Police responded to the Super 8 Motel at 268 East Main Street for a report of a robbery. Responding officers contacted a male victim at the scene. The victim, a patron of the motel, reported that he was walking through the parking lot when he heard a female calling for help from one of the motel rooms. The victim went to the room to investigate and was grabbed by a male suspect and pushed into the room. Once inside the room, the male suspect held a knife to the victim’s throat and the victim was ordered to provide his personal property. A female suspect in the room took personal property from the victim and then both the male and female suspects left the room. The victim then chased the suspects through the parking lot, but was not able to catch up to them.
The victim suffered a minor injury from the knife which did not require medical attention.
Newark Police Detectives reviewed motel records and available video from the motel. They also spoke with witnesses at the scene. Detectives were able to identify the suspects as John Levan Jr., 49, of New Castle and Jusinda Welch, 50, of Wilmington. Warrants for their arrest were obtained that day.
On January 17, 2021, Levan and Welch were located by Newark Police at the West Motel in Bear and were taken into custody without incident.
Both suspects were transported to Newark Police headquarters where they were charged with Robbery First Degree, Aggravated Menacing and Conspiracy Second Degree. Both suspects appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 by video. Levan was ordered to be held in default of $56,000 cash bail. Levan was turned over to the custody of the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington. Welch was ordered to be held in default of $65,000 secured bail. Welch was turned over to the custody of the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in New Castle.
