TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Toms River Police Department has issued an alert regarding a spree of catalytic converter thefts targeting local car dealerships in recent days.
Several Toms River auto dealers have fallen victim to these thefts, with catalytic converters being removed from vehicles under the cover of darkness. Lester Glenn Mazda reported the loss of catalytic converters from three 2024 Mazda CX-5s, with the theft occurring between February 6 and February 7.
Similarly, Lester Glenn Auto lot faced the theft of converters from three 2024 Chevy Silverados between February 5 and February 12. Auto Lenders reported thefts from a 2019 Chevy Silverado and a 2019 RAM 1500 between February 12 and February 13.
Despite the rising incidents, no suspects have been identified other than their vehicle, a white Acura TLX.
The thefts are not isolated to Toms River, as police departments in Manchester, Beachwood, and Pine Beach also reported similar incidents involving a white Acura TLX during the overnight hours of February 6 and February 7. The same vehicle, involved in numerous thefts statewide and bearing a stolen license plate, led Roselle PD on a pursuit on February 12 after a theft attempt. The vehicle crashed but managed to escape, further complicating the investigation.