U-Haul manager thanks police
Updated: March 20, 2013
CHAMPAIGN -- A manager has a special message for the police department. In the past year, a U-Haul general manager has lost thousands of dollars.
People have been cutting the catalytic converters out of trucks and selling them for cash. But now, thanks to a CPD officer, one of them will face justice.
"At first I thought it was a break in or fire, until she said something about the converter and I was like oh my god," U-Haul General Manager Bobby Parris said.
It was deja-vu for Parris. It was the same call he got in May when he found 37 converters were stolen. But this time was different.
"She said, 'no no we caught him.'"
It happened Monday. Officer Greear drove by and heard metal hitting the ground. Police aren't releasing his name, but say when the man saw them, he dropped a saw and ran. Greear chased him and arrested him.
"I'd say he's a pretty good officer, I'm so glad they caught him."
Unfortunately the damage is done, his business has lost a lot of money.
"Close to ten grand by the time you figure it up," Parris said.
Parris says he won't be surprised if more people attempt to steal converters, because what's inside can bring in $2,000.
"The metal inside it. It's what they use to make jewelry. Very expensive metal."
Police hope to make more arrests in the converter thefts.
"Hopefully we can tie this in on what's been going on nationwide and locally."
Until then, Parris has added more security cameras and is keeping a close eye on his trucks.
"Not gonna get away with anything anymore. Just keep on watching and if we catch you, we're gonna prosecute," Parris said.
People have been cutting the catalytic converters out of trucks and selling them for cash. But now, thanks to a CPD officer, one of them will face justice.
"At first I thought it was a break in or fire, until she said something about the converter and I was like oh my god," U-Haul General Manager Bobby Parris said.
It was deja-vu for Parris. It was the same call he got in May when he found 37 converters were stolen. But this time was different.
"She said, 'no no we caught him.'"
It happened Monday. Officer Greear drove by and heard metal hitting the ground. Police aren't releasing his name, but say when the man saw them, he dropped a saw and ran. Greear chased him and arrested him.
"I'd say he's a pretty good officer, I'm so glad they caught him."
Unfortunately the damage is done, his business has lost a lot of money.
"Close to ten grand by the time you figure it up," Parris said.
Parris says he won't be surprised if more people attempt to steal converters, because what's inside can bring in $2,000.
"The metal inside it. It's what they use to make jewelry. Very expensive metal."
Police hope to make more arrests in the converter thefts.
"Hopefully we can tie this in on what's been going on nationwide and locally."
Until then, Parris has added more security cameras and is keeping a close eye on his trucks.
"Not gonna get away with anything anymore. Just keep on watching and if we catch you, we're gonna prosecute," Parris said.
