Catalytic converter thieves target Muncie Mission

Catalytic converter thieves in Muncie have targeted residents, Ball State University students, and now a nonprofit helping the homeless.

This week, Muncie Mission tells Fox 59 someone cut through a barbed wire fence at its Muncie headquarters to cut the car parts from a shelter-owned fleet truck and maintenance truck and damaged an employee-owned vehicle.

The Mission says the vehicle storage area has lights and sensors, but does not have cameras.  The Mission fleet truck is in regular use to drive donated material to its five thrift stores, which financially supports the organization’s services.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, replacement and labor for a stolen catalytic converter can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000.

Read More: Despite local arrests, Muncie and Ball State see more catalytic converter thefts

A new state law that takes effect on Friday limits the number of salvage recyclers that can buy or sell converters, and limits the daily payments made to people looking to sell.

In late March, Muncie police arrested three people who the agency says stole at least one vehicle to then steal and sell catalytic converters.  Since then, the car parts have also been stolen from vehicles parked at Ball State.

Anyone with information on the catalytic converter theft from Muncie Mission is asked to contact the Muncie Police Department.