Camera captures catalytic converter theft on Chicago’s NW Side

by BRIAN NADIG

A surveillance camera at an Indian Woods home on Chicago’s Northwest Side recorded three thieves stealing a catalytic converter from a parked Toyota Prius at about 2:15 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, in the 5500 block of West Rosedale Avenue.

The same group returned about 75 minutes later to the neighborhood and exited from their dark SUV carrying equipment to apparently commit another theft, but they appeared to be scared away due to a passing car, according to a resident. Their vehicle, described possibly as a Volkswagen Tiguan or Atlas, had no license plates, residents said.

The offenders were described as Black and wearing masks and dark colored hooded sweatshirts and pants. One of the men kept pulling his pants up and may have had a handgun in his waistband, a resident said.

Police responded to the area, but the group had left before officers arrived, one homeowner said, adding that there has been other thefts in the neighborhood this year.

“We need more police here,” the homeowner said. “They’re raising our taxes, and we still can’t get police.”

He added, “I remember when you could see police (at least) once a night” patrolling the neighborhood.

The total number of all reported thefts in the 16th (Jefferson Park) District was 1,015 through Dec. 1 this year compared to 1,216 during the same period in 2023, representing an 17-percent decrease, according to police. In addition, this year’s total is similar to 2022 but 51 percent higher than in 2021 and 133 percent higher than in 2020.

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