WINONA, Minn. — A catalytic converter to a motor home was reported stolen at Joe’s Auto and Tire in the 1250 block of West Service Drive. The theft was reported about 5 p.m.
Why thieves like converters
Converters have been standard in auto manufacturing since 1975 as pollution-control devices. They burn exhaust fumes at 800 degrees. Converted technology relies on the rare metal palladium, which has become a hot black-market commodity as auto-makers’ post-1975 demand grew.