Catalytic converters stolen from cars

Catalytic converter thefts are a big problem in Michiana.

Thieves typically target auto repair shops and sales lots as well.

Tim's Auto Repair off of E. Ireland Road in South Bend has been targeted about four different times over the last couple months.

The owner Tim Bland decided to take matters into his own hands and used surveillance cameras to catch the thefts happening.

“I got sick of it and I decided one night I was going to start staying up at night at home. Around 9:30 or 10:00 p.m., I turn on the computer to sit there and watch my shop,” said Bland.

On February 19th, Bland was watching his camera and caught a theft happening at about 2 a.m.

He watched it all unfold from his house while he was on the phone with the South Bend Police Department.

“You can see he's pulling in, then shuts his lights off. He's got a jack in one hand and a saw in the other,” Bland said.

This comes at a hefty price for business owners and people who fall victim to this crime.

Repairs can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,200 for parts and labor.

Bland said they can steal four to five converters within a matter of about 30 minutes and rack up about $500.

He's hoping that the cameras will deter thieves from targeting his business again in the future.