Crafty Catalytic Converter Criminal Hits Two Hotel Vehicles in Under 15 Minutes

Niagara Falls Police responded to the Super 8 Motel and Quality Inn Hotel on Niagara Falls Boulevard around 10am on July 7th after reports of a crafty catalytic converter criminal hitting two vehicles.

Upon arrival, police spoke to complainant #1 at the Super 8 Motel who stated he parked in the rear of the hotel. He tried to leave the hotel around 9:30am, but his vehicle made a loud noise after it was started. He checked under the vehicle and noticed his catalytic converter was cut. Complainant #1 is not from the area and didn’t suspect anyone of the crime. The front desk secured video footage of the incident which showed a possible black male driving into the lot around 6:14am and departing around 6:25am. The estimated value of the catalytic converter is $1,500 and the estimated value to replace it is $2,500.

Complainant #2 was staying at the Quality Inn when she noticed her catalytic converter was stolen after she tried to drive the car and the muffler was louder than usual. Officers checked underneath the vehicle and confirmed the converter was removed. Complainant #2 parked her vehicle in the rear of the parking lot at approx. 3am and returned to the vehicle around 9:30am to put oil in the vehicle before departing the area.

No further information is available. Both incidents are being investigated by law enforcement. Complainant's #1 and #2 required maintenance service in Niagara Falls before departing Western New York to go home.