7 Catalytic Converters Stolen From Cars Parked in UNH Lot

Catalytic converters were stolen from seven Honda vehicles parked in a UNH parking lot between Tuesday night and Thursday morning.

UNH Police said the report of one led to six more stolen from the Mast Road lot. It's estimated the thefts started sometime Tuesday night, with the last theft happening in broad daylight around 11:30 a.m. Thursday.

It's likely no coincidence that the thieves targeted the Hondas.

According to a Fox Business News report, the catalytic converters on Honda Elements, Subaru Foresters, and Toyota Priuses have a higher concentration of rhodium, which is worth $14,000 an ounce on the resale market. The metal also does not corrode easily, which increases its value.

WMUR reported 27 catalytic converters were reported stolen from delivery trucks parked at UPS on Brown Avenue in Manchester and the US Postal Service facility on Hooksett Road in Hooksett during the Columbus Day weekend.

Portsmouth Police reported an increase in catalytic converter thefts in the city, which the department says happens mostly at night. The removal of the converter is a quick process for thieves.

Stealing a catalytic converter can take as little as 30 seconds, David Glawe, the president and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau told PBS NewsHour.

"They cut the catalytic converter with the reciprocating saw in front of it and in the rear of it, and it just comes right off," Glawe said.

Portsmouth Police suggested parking in a well-lit area and installing a barrier around your vehicle's converter to make it harder to steal.

Another preventative measure is to etching part of your vehicle's VIN number onto the converter.

UNH Police asked anyone who sees anything suspicious in a UNH parking lot to call 603-862-1427.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH