Surveillance video photo shows suspects at a business where several catalytic converters were stolen. Police request help in identifying the individuals. 

THOMASVILLE — Surveillance video caught two men in the act of removing parts from vehicles and stealing city equipment. Police need help identifying the individuals.

During the weekend at a Fleming Street air conditioning and heating business, catalytic converters were removed from under several vehicles.

“They’re using a saw to cut them off,” said Lt. Toby Knifer, Thomasville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division commander.

Video surveillance footage shows one man under a vehicle, while a second male acts as a lookout.

A rash of catalytic converter thefts have occurred recently in Pelham, Camilla and elsewhere in the surrounding area. Arrests have been made in some other jurisdictions.

TPD detectives are working with other law enforcement agencies to make arrests in the thefts here.

The catalytic converters taken are valued at a total of $2,000.

Knifer said that when a catalytic converter is removed, the sound coming from the vehicle is loud, as though there is no exhaust system. 

“It’s very obvious,” he said.

The thefts are similar to incidents several years ago when metals were stolen in the area and sold.

At the nearby City of Thomasville water treatment plant on the same night as the catalytic converter thefts, a 54-inch John Deere mower, a Stihl blower, and a Stihl weed eater were stolen by two men matching the same description as those at the business and also captured on video surveillance.

City equipment stolen is valued at $11,000. 

Anyone with information about the cases is asked to contact Thomasville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division. The names of those providing information will remain confidential.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820