Huntington Police Chief Stacy Wieburg is cautioning residents to remain vigilant as a local church falls victim to a new trend by thieves.
Huntington First Assembly of God Pastor Travis Pettus discovered on Sunday, March 14, that two of their church vans had the catalytic converters cut off. Apparently, the act is becoming increasingly widespread, and even in broad daylight.
The theft reportedly occurred between Wednesday, March 10, and Sunday, March 14 at 122 E. Broadway in Huntington.
Thieves target catalytic converters because they contain precious metals, like platinum, palladium or rhodium, that are valuable to metal dealers.
On Wednesday, February 24, Little Blessings Preschool and Childcare in Greenwood reportedly had their catalytic converters cut off their vehicles.
Chief Wieburg asked that residents be on the lookout for any suspicious activity and to contact the police department at 479-928-4023 if they have any information regarding this crime.