Cleveland County Authorities Investigating Catalytic Converter Thefts

SHELBY, N.C. — Authorities in Cleveland County are trying to identify the individuals responsible for a rash of catalytic converter thefts in the area.

According to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, there have been reports of nine thefts from businesses and religious organizations since March 15th, 2019.

Cleveland County detectives are working with Gaston County, Mecklenburg County, and York County law enforcement agencies, who have experienced similar incidents in their jurisdictions.

The thefts have targeted Ford vehicles and specifically 15-passenger vans.  The catalytic converters are being cut off from underneath the vans with a saw and authorities say the process only takes about five minutes.

Officials are encouraging business and churches to make sure surveillance systems ate updated and properly positioned to capture all angles of their property.

Anyone with information regarding the individuals responsible for these crimes or the vehicle pictured above is asked to call Investigator Tim Sims 704-484-4830 or Investigator Chrissy Helton 704-484-4823.