Police Investigating Catalytic Converter Thefts in College Township

Catalytic converters were recently stolen from two vehicles in College Township, including a Salvation Army truck (left). Pictured at right is a suspect vehicle. Photos provided | State College Police Department

State College police are investigating the thefts of catalytic converters from two vehicles in College Township.

The exhaust emissions control devices were stolen from a Salvation Army Disaster Services truck at 2603 E. College Ave. and a Yonder Mountain Conservation Company work truck at 2901 Stewart Drive, police said on Wednesday. The thefts were reported this week and “occurred sometime over the past couple weeks,” according to police.

No suspects have been identified.

Catalytic converters contain valuable precious metals and are usually stolen to be sold to scrap dealers, though Pennsylvania law places restrictions on their sale by individuals. According to Car and Driver, cities across the country have reported spikes in catalytic converter thefts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact the State College Police Department at (814) 234-7150, by email or by submitting an anonymous tip through the department’s website.