12 trucks stripped

of catalytic converters
By Melanie Davis
melanie@mountaintimes.com

University Nissan fell victim to a theft that is growing in numbers across the High Country. Sometime between March 29 and April 1, an unknown person removed the catalytic converters from twelve 2008 Nissan Titan trucks.

Each truck has two catalytic converters in the exhaust system, with a total of 24 stolen. The cost to the dealership will be approximately $15-18,000.

Law enforcement agencies in Watauga County have seen several cases of catalytic converter theft in recent months, however, Capt. William Greene of the Boone Police Department said this incident is the largest quantity to be seen thus far.

The catalytic converter is a part of a vehicle’s exhaust system, located between the engine manifold and the muffler. The primary function of the part is to control emissions.

Thieves target trucks and sport utility vehicles due to ground clearance. They crawl under the vehicle and generally use a saw to remove that section of the exhaust system.

The University Nissan theft was unique in that the person unbolted the catalytic converters and unplugged the wires. Steve Bussell, general manager of the dealership, said, “This was done professionally, by someone who knew exactly what they were doing.”

The catalytic converter is valuable due to the precious metals contained within, such as platinum, palladium and rhodium. Once removed, the converter is then sold to a salvage yard for a few hundred dollars.

The theft was discovered at University Nissan when a salesperson started one the trucks. The removal of the converter interrupts the exhaust system, making a vehicle very loud.

If a converter is stolen, the vehicle owner should drive the vehicle as little as possible, only to the nearest garage, according to a technician at the Nissan dealership. Aside from losing all emissions control, driving without the converter can also cause serious engine damage. Cold air will be drawn into the hot engine compartment, causing cracking and potentially burning the valves.

Greene recommends owners of trucks and SUVs park only in busy, well-lit areas.

“We are working with other agencies that have experienced these same types of crimes. We would ask the public to be aware of any suspicious activity of persons around vehicles, particularly in parking lots and parking areas,” he said.

Chris Wellborn, owner of University Nissan, is offering a $500 reward to information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for the damaged trucks.

Anyone with information regarding this or any other theft is urged to call the Boone Police Department at (828) 268-6900. Anonymous information may be called in to Watauga County Crimestoppers at (828) 268-6959.