By Brandi Makuski
The Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office is asking for tips from the public to help determine who may have stolen nearly $20,000 in catalytic converters from a local business on March 2.
Sheriff Mike Lukas said deputies were called to Mega Rentals Inc., 7077 County Rd. B in Stockton, when an employee of the business discovered the damage.
Lukas said of the 12 business vehicles parked on the property, eight had their catalytic converters cut off and stolen.
“That’s about $18,000 in damage, so that’s substantial,” Lukas said.
A catalytic converter is a device connected to a vehicle’s exhaust system that converts toxic gases and pollutants into something less toxic.
Deputies are going through security cameras from the business and area homes and talking to neighbors, and Lukas said his department is actively following all leads.
Dozens of catalytic converter thefts have been reported across Portage Co. in the past 12 months, with many occurring during nighttime hours and in rural areas that are poorly lit, though Stevens Point police have received several reports of thefts, or attempted thefts, during daylight hours in high-trafficked areas.
Lukas said he isn’t sure why there have been so many thefts, but he suspects at least some are due to COVID-related layoffs or are drug-related. The converters can be resold for about $1,000 each, Lukas said.
“I don’t think I’d call them a professional ring, but they are very proficient. To jack up a vehicle and cut the catalytic converter off in no time, they’re very efficient. They know what they’re doing,” Lukas said.
Tips can be reported by calling 715-346-1500 or 888-346-6600, via the Portage Co. website, by the county’s P3 app, or by U.S. Mail at Portage County Crime Stoppers, 1500 Strongs Ave., Stevens Point, Wis., 54481. Tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a cash reward.