These days, many vehicle owners are getting "free" cat deletes just parking in their driveways overnight. (s)
PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — Phoenix police made a huge bust in a suspected catalytic converter theft ring on Thursday afternoon. Investigators said officers recovered more than 1,200 used and detached catalytic converters from a storage unit at 37th and Washington streets.
Police said detectives started the investigation in January when they suspected a man of having a “significant number” of catalytic converters in his possession. On Friday, Sgt. Vincent Cole identified that man as Shelton Ford, 48.
Detectives said they did “diligent police work” and used “advanced investigative methods” to gather evidence and trace the stolen car parts to the storage unit. When they opened the unit, it had more than 1,200 catalytic converters. Police say most of them are believed to be stolen since they had been freshly cut from cars. The street value of the car parts seized by police is estimated to be $195,000 or more.