Catalytic converter thefts continue to rise locally

Don’t leave your car unlocked…More and more catalytic converters are getting stolen here in the Treasure Valley.

In Meridian, police track a 550 percent increase in reports from 2019 to now.

CBS 2 News reports Boise police took 12 reports in 2019, but that number has increased to 111 so far this year.

Catalytic converters contain precious metals that are valuable to recycle.

It’s quick cash for thieves – but getting caught could come with felony charges.

The replacements could cost victims thousands of dollars.