Marine Park resident frustrated after catalytic converter stolen from car as thefts continue across Brooklyn
The theft happened around 4 a.m., according to Erica Wroblewski. She said surveillance footage showed suspects circling the block multiple times before targeting the vehicle.
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A Marine Park woman is sharing her frustration after thieves stole the catalytic converter from her vehicle, adding to growing concerns about similar thefts reported across Brooklyn.
Erica Wroblewski said she was preparing to take her son to school when she discovered that a key part of her car had been stolen in the early morning hours.
"I knew right away that my catalytic converter was taken from the car," Wroblewski said. "It actually happened around the corner two weeks ago. It's a huge inconvenience for people. We all work really hard for our money, and these people are just going around taking things from people who work hard."
The theft happened around 4 a.m., according to Wroblewski. She said surveillance footage showed suspects circling the block multiple times before targeting the vehicle.
"They circled around the block three times before they stopped," she said. "They pulled out the jack from the car, put it underneath, and someone else popped out of the car, started jacking up the car, went underneath, cut it, and went right back in the car. They didn't even gently put the car down. They just dropped it and drove off."
Residents throughout Brooklyn have reported similar incidents on social media, with some saying the thefts happened in broad daylight and were carried out in just a matter of minutes.
Workers at Brooklyn Motorsports say catalytic converters remain attractive targets because they contain valuable precious metals that can be sold for profit.
"We have probably replaced five or six different catalytic converters in the last two years," said Eric Zely, of Brooklyn Motorsports. "Different car, different price. But some are well over $1,000."
Police recommend several steps to help deter thieves, including:
Etching a license plate number or VIN onto the catalytic converter
Parking in well-lit areas
Installing anti-theft devices
Calling 911 immediately if a theft is witnessed
Despite those recommendations, Wroblewski worries prevention measures may not be enough.
"I feel like my costs are a lot higher than the few hundred dollars they got for it," she said. "Even with anti-theft devices, an alarm is not going to go off, and they're still going to take it out. I think more patrolling around the area might work. I know people are like, 'We're going to start like a neighborhood watch for people at night.'"
For now, Wroblewski is left walking to many of her destinations while deciding whether the cost of repairing her vehicle is worth it.
