The Dalton Police Department is asking for the public’s help with identifying suspects who stole catalytic converters from several vehicles parked at two locations on Hamilton Street. The incident was recorded by surveillance at one location, but cameras did not get a clear picture of a suspect’s face, but they were traveling in a white four door passenger car, possibly a Dodge.
The first incident was reported at Providence Ministries at 711 South Hamilton Street. Between 3:25 and 3:45 am. on Saturday, a white passenger car pulled into the parking lot and a large male suspect wearing a gray or white hooded sweatshirt got out of the passenger side of the vehicle and appeared to be scouting vehicles in the parking lot. A total of three Ford vehicles parked in the Providence lot had their catalytic converters cut out.
The same night, Babb’s Auto Service at 909 S. Hamilton Street reported that their fence had been cut but nothing appeared to be missing. After being told by a responding officer about the incident at Providence Ministries, the owner checked the cars parked on his lot and discovered that the catalytic converter from a Ford Excursion had been removed.
Catalytic converters contain precious metals such as platinum, gold, rhodium, and palladium and can be sold to recyclers.
Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to contact Detective Greg Bates at 706 278-9085, dial 9 and enter ext. 137.