OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Catalytic converter thieves appear to be targeting new territory.
The Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office says it’s had several thefts reported at boat landings along the Wolf River.
“I think it’s just terrible,” said Vernon Ossmann of Seymour, who has been fishing on the Wolf River for more than 50 years. “It’s unrealistic. What is going on today is not good.”
Ossmann joined his grandson, Jonathan Milheiser, and his friend, Brady Bartels, at Koepke Access Tuesday afternoon.
“I would think guys would just come here to fish and that would be it, just come here to fish and everyone respects their own property, and you go from there,” said Milheiser, of Seymour.
“I’ve heard of people get like fishing rods stolen out of their boats or out of their vehicles, but I’ve never heard of anyone get a catalytic converter stolen,” said Bartels, of Appleton.
A state bill was signed into law just last month looking to crack down on the thefts. It designates a catalytic converter as a proprietary article, which would make them easier to track.
Under the law, sellers must be 18 years old, have a government-issued photo ID, and provide documentation they lawfully possess the item. Scrap dealers must maintain records of sale, the seller’s vehicle license plate, and a description of the proprietary article.
“I’ve heard of that happening in parking lots or if you park it outside at home or something, but not at the landings,” said Ossmann.
Anglers are advised to call authorities if they see someone suspicious, perhaps laying under a car, or hear metal being cut in the area of the landings.
