As several of you may know, or have heard, vehicles’ catalytic converters have been a hot item to steal lately – especially from trucks and SUVs. The catalytic converter is located underneath the vehicle and it takes only a couple of seconds to saw it off. Trucks and SUVs have more space underneath to easily slip under to steal the catalytic converter.
Unfortunately, these thieves have been stealing catalytic converters everywhere. Lately, our St. Edward’s parking lot has become a target for these thieves. All the incidents have occurred during the Mass. Even with our cameras set at the entrance, the thieves drive away in cars with no license plates or unreadable license plates; making it impossible to provide suspects’ information to police.
What are we going to do?
We have contracted with the deputies to patrol the parking lots only during the Sunday 9:30AM and 11:30AM Masses. The cost of this service is approximately $22,000 per year. Due to cost, we will not have deputies at Saturday 5:30PM, Sunday 7:30AM, and Sunday 5PM Masses. Therefore, if you are concerned, please plan to attend the 9:30AM and 11:30AM Masses. Of course, there is no guarantee of theft prevention at the 9:30AM and 11:30AM Masses with the deputies, but it may act as a deterrent.