MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – Police in Warren, Roseville and St. Clair Shores have reported a recent rash of thefts of catalytic converters from cars.
Mount Clemens police have also reported thefts of catalytic converters from cars. In some cases, the thieves are so bold, they are stealing the converters from underneath cars parked in school parking lots.
The Michigan legislature recently approved a new law to crack down on scrap metal thieves, but State Representative Rashida Tlaib says the cash threshold for enforcing the law is too high.
"If you came in with a catalytic converter or copper wire and it's $24.99 or less you can still get cash instead of a check," Tlaib said.
Tlaib, a Detroit Democrat, says more changes must be made.
"What St. Louis and many other cities have done is getting rid of cash exchanges and requiring check payment, things that are traceable," Tlaib.
Michigan's new scrap metal law is scheduled to take effect July 1.