The Mansfield Township Police Department is investigating the theft of several catalytic converters from vehicles parked in the rear of Homestead Plaza II. The thefts occurred on Saturday, May 29, 2021, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. With the assistance of local businesses and the management of the plaza, a vehicle of interest has been identified. It is a white GMC Savana van, with a company name displayed, no front license plate, tinted windows, roof rack and several dents on the hood. The suspicious vehicle was observed between 11:55 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. in the area of the vehicles that had been tampered with. We are investigating this vehicle, but we are not releasing the name of that business at this time.
Any resident with information that may be of assistance in this investigation can contact the Mansfield Township Police Department. Should you become a victim of a theft of a catalytic converter, you urged to report the crime to the police. You will know if your catalytic converter has been removed, because your vehicle will be extremely loud and that noise will increase when the gas pedal is depressed. In addition to the noise, you may notice a rotten egg type smell.
Law Enforcement agencies across the region are working to combat this increasing type of crime. Click here to review the press release provided by the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators and the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. with ways to “Combat Catalytic Converter Thefts”.
Residents should continue to report suspicious activity or person(s) by calling the Mansfield Township Police Department at (609) 298-4411, or, if an emergency, 911.