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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Thieves are targeting a rather expensive part of people's cars.
MacKenzie Motors in Brighton had two catalytic converters stolen off of two trucks parked in their parking lot. On top of that, they're also seeing an uptick in people coming into the show needing replacements. John MacKenzie, the co-owner of Mackenzie Motors, told WBZ's James Rojas this has been an expensive endeavor for many customers.
"We've probably changed like two a month since catalytic converters started to get stolen," MacKenzie said. "They are very expensive to replace so it's costing people a lot of money."
The average price of a catalytic converter can range from $800 to $1,200 depending on the make and model of the vehicle, according to JD Power, and that's before time and labor costs. The devices, that help convert toxic gas from the engine's exhaust into less-toxic gas, can fetch a high price at scrapyards because of the valuable metals the devices are made of.
MacKenzie said lawmakers need to take some additional action to make sure people stop stealing the devices.
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"I think there should be some kind of mandate or some kind of law that says they can't buy catalytic converters and maybe that will stop it," MacKenzie said.
For extra protection, MacKenzie recommends making sure your car alarm system is loud and sensitive.
WBZ's James Rojas (@JamesRojasNews) reports.
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