The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help identifying someone caught by security cameras stealing catalytic converters from vehicles near Chapel Hill.

A release from the office on Wednesday said investigators are sharing footage from December 28 at the commercial plaza off of Rex Drive, which houses the Chapel Hill Moving Company and City Electric Supply Chapel Hill and is close to the building for Chapel Hill Gymnastics.

According to the sheriff’s office, security images show “a white or Hispanic male with dark hair and medium build” taking the catalytic converters off several vehicles with a reciprocating saw. The suspect was driving a white truck, which investigators believe to be a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 manufactured between 2007 and 2013. Wednesday’s release said it appears the truck is lifted with an extended cab, dark tinted windows and aftermarket wheels.

Catalytic converter thefts have become relatively common in the Orange County community, and across the country, in recent years. The sheriff’s office has reported several thefts so far this year and saw a stretch in February 2021 where 13 converters were reported stolen. The vehicle part, known for reducing emissions from automobile exhaust, sits between engines and mufflers. Not only can it be taken apart to harvest expensive metals inside, but catalytic converters do not have Vehicle Identification Numbers on them, making it difficult to trace a stolen converter back to a specific victim’s vehicle.

The sheriff’s office says prevention is the best defense against such thefts. Parking vehicles in a garage or well-lit area, ideally within view of surveillance cameras, may help deter those who attempt to steal converters from underneath vehicles.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said Jason Nazworth is the lead investigator in the case. Anyone with information about the subject or the string of catalytic converter thefts is encouraged to call Nazworth at 919-245-2960.

 

Photo via the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

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