Police Incident Reports A Selection of Noteworthy Incident Reports

Incidents listed are selected by the Officer In Charge of each shift that may have significant public interest. Incidents listed are not inclusive of all incidents. To view Calls for Services information, please visit communitycrimemap.com. Requests for information can be directed to the MPD Records Unit: (608) 266-4075.

Incident Report for Case #2021-110441

Incident Type

Theft

Incident Date

03/30/2021 - 4:33 AM

Address

3000 block Atwood Ave

Details

Catalytic converter thefts continue in the Madison area with thieves often targeting Toyota Prius's. Tuesday morning, a resident in the 3000 block of Atwood Ave woke up to loud sounds similar to mechanical tools being used. The resident saw a white SUV leave the area after discovering a catalytic converter missing from a Toyota Prius parked outside. Attached is a photo of the possible suspect vehicle. Officers contacted the Prius owner and estimate the value of the stolen catalytic converter at $1800.

On December 29th, 2020, a home security camera captured a catalytic converter theft in the 600 block of S Dickinson St. A homeowner woke up to notifications on his phone showing a car stopping next to his 2007 Toyota Prius with people proceeding to cut off his catalytic converter. This all happened in about a minute and a half. View the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR9TuTcK4uQ&feature=youtu.be

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), catalytic converter thefts have been skyrocketing nationwide:
"Removing a catalytic converter takes only minutes using some basic, readily-available, battery-operated tools from a local hardware store and for the vehicle owner, it's costly due to the loss of work, finding and paying for alternate transportation and then paying anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 to get your vehicle fixed." - NICB

The NICB recommends vehicle owners:
  • Install a catalytic converter anti-theft device. These are available from various manufacturers and can provide a level of security from theft.
  • Park fleet vehicles in an enclosed and secured area that is well lit, locked, and alarmed.
  • Park personal vehicles in a garage. If not possible and vehicles must be parked in a driveway, consider installing motion sensor security lights. While lights may not provide complete security, it may make some thieves think twice, making them leave the area and your vehicle untouched.
  • Call local law enforcement and your insurer should you become the victim of a catalytic converter theft.
https://www.nicb.org/news/news-releases/catalytic-converter-theft-skyrocketing-nationwide

Released 04/01/2021 at 11:26 AM by PIO Tyler Grigg

The location shown is approximate & may not be accurate.

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