Las Vegas’ growing catalytic converter theft issue has taken an unexpected turn; the one and only Oscar Meyer Weinermobile was recently pilfered while in town!
The 27-foot-long hot dog vehicle had parked near a hotel, only to have its undercarriage nicked by thieving criminals.
What was once supposed to be an exciting meetup with locals quickly turned sour for the iconic ride, joining many others who’ve become victims of this rapidly escalating crime taking place throughout America
A parts administrator with Penske, Joseph Rodriguez, says “Imagine a huge, gigantic hot dog in the middle of your bay.”
According to Rodriguez, the catalytic converter was not just missing – its entire system was gone. “There’s like gaskets there that you need to reseal the converter. And then there are sensors all along that area to regulate the heat and temperature of the system. Those are all gone as well. They tear that apart to get to what they want.”
In 2022, the metro police in Las Vegas reported an astounding 2,600 cases of illegally sawing off and selling car parts containing valuable metals used to filter out dangerous exhaust fumes into harmless gases.
According to State Farm, over 43,000 thefts have been reported around the nation from July 2021 to June 2022.
Although a temporary converter has enabled it to continue with its appearances, it’s not a permanent solution. “They did a little, minor repair, just to have the vehicle running. It’s not the correct part. It’s just something temporary,” said Rodriquez.
“It’s costing the person money. And then the company. And then just time,” he said.
According to a source, it usually takes up to four months for new catalytic converters to be back in stock.
The local authorities have not been made aware of this theft yet but the hotel where it occurred is conducting its own internal investigation.
