PAULS VALLEY, Okla. (KFOR) – Pauls Valley detectives are investigating a rash of catalytic converter thefts hitting town, after 4 college buses and a neighborhood mechanic store have been hit within the span of just some days.
“It’s a really costly repair, however can even make some fast cash for the dangerous guys,” mentioned Pauls Valley Police Chief Mitch McGill. “A foul man takes a battery operated noticed, lays down and cuts your catalytic converter off, and is gone in a matter of most likely seconds, if not a couple of minutes.”
The automotive half filters out poisonous chemical substances from a automotive’s exhaust system, but in addition accommodates treasured metals inside like palladium and platinum.
“On the felony aspect of the market, they’re someplace between $600 to $800 {dollars} to a scrap yard,” mentioned the police chief.
The superintendent mentioned after insurance coverage, the district is about $4,000 within the gap.
“It’s $2,300 per bus,” mentioned Pauls Valley Public Colleges Superintendent Mike Martin. “As a result of somebody’s not keen to get out and work and make an sincere dwelling. It’s irritating.”
The timing couldn’t be worse for Pauls Valley Public Colleges. The district is at the moment budgeting to purchase classroom disinfectants to battle off the brand new wave of COVID-19, as youngsters head again to high school.
“We may’ve purchased 4 of these with what that is going to price us to make these repairs for the buses,” Martin mentioned.
Now, the district is beefing up it’s safety, hoping to catch the crooks.
“Should you’re accountable, know I’ve 25 digicam techniques which were arrange at our highschool and our bus barn,” mentioned the superintendent. “We see you.”
Police mentioned they’re going to be working with the county to determine the place these elements are ending up, as a result of there are not any salvage yards inside Pauls Valley Police jurisdiction.
Up to now, nobody has been arrested, however the perpetrator will face grand larceny fees, which is a felony.
“They’re not going to cease till we catch them. So, anyone that has info, please contact the Pauls Valley Police Division,” mentioned Chief McGill.
