Nov. 16, 2021—Catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, the Center Square reported.
Minneapolis and Saint Paul could see nearly 4,000 of these thefts this year, according to the Insurance Federation of Minnesota. Hitting that count would be nearly 100 times the 40 thefts reported statewide in 2018. That number would also exceed the roughly 3,400 thefts the U.S. experienced in 2019, the organization reported.
Insurance Federation of Minnesota Vice President of Public Affairs Mark Kulda told The Center Square in an emailed statement that the estimated economic impact of these thefts is $25 million in insured losses, without including losses for people who don’t have that insurance or paid out of pocket to avoid a claim.
Saint Paul Police Department Public Information Officer Steve Linders told The Center Square in an emailed statement the department has seen an increase in reported catalytic converter thefts. From January 2021 to October 10, 2021 there have been 1,495 thefts in St. Paul
On November 5, the Minneapolis City Council passed an ordinance that made it illegal for anyone except automobile repair garages or used auto parts dealers to sell used catalytic converters that are not attached to vehicles, the report said.
