Rockland Responds: Chief Reilly Responds to Local Concerns Over Uptick in Catalytic Converter Thefts

Can you please tell me what the police department is doing to protect the locals from this ongoing scourge? At first, it was just a New York City problem, but now this is striking way too close to home, and I feel like we will never get ahead. Once they steal the catalytic converter, if you want to drive, you have to repair your car to the tune of over $1,000. And then you start the cycle all over again.

Are we all just sitting ducks while the thieves continue to let the cat(alytic converter) out of the bag time after time with nothing more than a few hours of discomfort in a holding cell before they are let loose to strike again? 

Please help!

A Worried Resident

Dear Resident, 

The police department takes catalytic converter theft very seriously. Our officers are aware that this is a problem locally and throughout the area. We share information with our law enforcement partners throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond.

We have directed our patrols to proactively patrol the areas where these thefts have occurred. 

 Our officers have arrested people, in the past, for stealing catalytic converters in our jurisdiction. The defendants were released on their own recognizance.

As always, we encourage our residents to call us if they observe any suspicious persons or vehicles in their neighborhood. We also suggest that our residents park their vehicles in well-lit areas, utilizing the outside lighting on their home.

Ramapo Chief of Police  Martin Reilly 

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