Jeffrey Dinwell told a reporter from WFSB-TV Channel 3 that someone broke into Ding’s Auto Salvage Yard this past weekend and stole nearly 250 catalytic converters. The catalytic converters were locked in a storage container, but that didn’t deter the thieves.

Below is the article as it appeared on the WFSB-TV Channel 3 website.

More Catalytic Converters Stolen

POSTED: 5:49 pm EDT April 5,2010
UPDATED: 6:53 pm EDT April 5,2010

LITCHFIELD, Conn. — For the second time in two weeks, there was a heist of automotive catalytic converters in the Litchfield hills. Police said thieves went to a business and cut out the devices, which contain precious metals that are worth thousands of dollars.

The small amounts of the precious metals can be separated out of the converters, including platinum, palladium and rhodium, and extracting something the size of a wedding band could easily fetch $500 or more.

At Ding’s Auto Salvage Yard in Litchfield, getting past the Easter weekend will take a little longer this year after the discovery that someone broke into a storage container and stole almost 250 of the family business’s catalytic converters.

Jeffrey Dingwell said, “They had to have some prior knowledge because we’ve got approximately 25 containers with locks on them and it’s just amazing that they, they were able to go right up and find the one."

Dingwell told state police thieves probably used bolt cutters and backed a box truck next to one of his containers either late Thursday or early Friday.

At the Litchfield filling station, RJ Ford said almost a dozen catalytic converters were taken from his lot two weeks ago. Police do not know if the two robberies are connected, but with both crimes, professionals could be involved.

Anyone with information about the robberies is asked to contact State Police Troop L in Litchfield.

To read this article on the WFSB-TV Channel 3 website, visit http://www.wfsb.com/news/23060125/detail.html.