Arrest. MWC file photo
STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — Three Minnesota men are in the Portage County jail on suspicion of stealing catalytic converters in Stevens Point.
It started when a resident in the 2300 block of Illinois Avenue saw what appeared to be someone trying to remove the catalytic converter from a vehicle parked in his driveway. The motion light on the home and scared the suspects off but a nearby security camera provided officers with a description and license plate for the getaway car.
Police tracked the vehicle down later in the night and conducted a traffic stop and investigation, which turned up several catalytic converters and tools used to remove them.
Police arrested Hsar P. Lay, Bo Gay Htoo, and Ter L. Kay and have booked them on suspicion of theft and criminal damage to property.
So far police have been able to identify two victims, the investigation into the incident continues.
Catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise due to the value of the metals they contain. Legislation has been introduced in Madison that would require salvage yards to require proof of ownership and other records before purchasing the parts for recycling.
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