Crime Alert and Arrest for Theft

August 31, 2021

Crime Alert and Arrest for Theft

 Since the beginning of 2021, the Abington Police Department has taken dozens of reports of thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles parked throughout the township. This has been escalating regionally and nationally.  The common characteristic of these crimes entails suspects pulling up next to the targeted vehicle, quickly jacking it up, and forcefully removing the catalytic converter using a reciprocating saw. The act can be accomplished in minutes, and the victim does not discover the theft until they observe their vehicle operating inefficiently. The thieves target these parts because they are easily sold at scrap yards for the precious metals contained within them. Although the thief usually is paid a couple hundred dollars for the part, it costs the victim a couple thousand dollars to make the repairs.

On August 24, 2021, Abington Officers responded to the theft of a catalytic converter at the Abington/ Jefferson Hospital, Zipley Parking Garage. While the victim was working in the hospital, the suspect removed the catalytic converter from her vehicle. An investigation resulted in the identification of a suspect, 46-year-old Timothy Clarke, of Levittown, PA, and an arrest warrant was issued for his arrest. On August 26, 2021, Clarke was arrested by detectives from Abington, Bensalem and Bristol Police Departments and was charged with felony theft and criminal mischief. He was arraigned by District Judge John Kessler and released on unsecured bail.

              Timothy Clarke                              Actual saw and jack recovered from Clarke

CRIMINAL CHARGES, AND ANY DISCUSSION THEREFORE, ARE MERELY ALLEGATIONS AND ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY.

 

Approved for Release by Lt. Steve Fink