INDIANAPOLIS — Hundreds of drivers lined up at Take 5 Oil Change Wednesday to take a step in protecting their catalytic converter from theft.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department says hundreds of catalytic converters have been stolen so far this year. The converters, which are underneath vehicles, have rare metals inside that thieves can take to scrap yards for cash.
"We've noticed that a lot of times these [thefts] happen in unguarded parking lots, fleet vehicles, apartment complexes and large parking lots," IMPD Captain Steven Ferklic said.
The Paint and Protect Program event allowed drivers to get their catalytic converter spray painted orange and have their license plate number written on it.
"We are thinking that once they see the converter is marked that it will make it difficult for them to move it through one of the scrap yards. We are asking the scrap yards to pay attention to that or deny buying that," Ferklic said. "The reason why they scrap them is because they can get money for them. If they can't get money for them then they'll stop doing it."
When the converter is stolen, the car stops functioning.
"It will throw a check engine light and actually a lot of the functions of the vehicle will be reduced or eliminated," Take 5 Oil Change District Manager Starling Cooper said.
Cooper says thieves target the converters because of the easy access and the worth of the metals inside.
Eric Lucy and others who work with the nonprofit Helping Veterans and Families, or HVAF, attended the event.
"Me and couple coworkers, a few months back, we all had our catalytic converters stolen off of our vans in our parking lot downtown," Lucy said. "Hopefully this will prevent this from stealing them again. It's about $1,000 a pop."
IMPD says they're working on scheduling similar events in the future.
-
Putnam County reports confirmed measles case
The Putnam County Health Department has confirmed a case of measles in the area, according to a recent social media post.
Man arrested in hit-and-run that left bicyclist critically injured
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has arrested a 53-year-old man for his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run incident that left a bicyclist in critical condition.
DPW: 1,100+ grave shafts discovered during Henry Street Bridge Construction
In a recent update on the Henry Street bridge construction over the White River, Indy DPW reported the discovery of over 1,100 grave shafts within the right of way of the historic Greenlawn Cemetery.
Explore what's new at the 2025 Indiana State Fair!
The 2025 Indiana State Fair is ready to rock your summer with a mix of brand-new attractions and fan favorites, all under the theme “The Soundtrack of Summer.”
