West Springfield Police warn truck, van drivers after catalytic converters stolen from business vehicles
Updated May 09, 2021;
WEST SPRINGFIELD – Police are warning drivers about a surge in catalytic converter thefts, especially from larger conversion-style work vans and trucks, after multiple businesses were hit by the crimes last week.
The thefts come a week after 44 catalytic converters were cut out of 22 mini school buses from the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative’s property on Shoemaker Lane in Agawam.
The theft has left the school in a bind because the buses cannot be used until the equipment is replaced and catalytic converters cost more than $1,000 and older ones that fit on the buses are difficult to find
Catalytic converter theft from special education buses could cost $50K if replacement parts can even be found, agency says
Updated Apr 29, 2021;
Posted Apr 29, 2021
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AGAWAM The theft of catalytic converters from 22 minibuses at the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative property this week will cost as much as $50,000 to repair, and has collaborative staff working the phones to find replacement parts, a collaborative official said.
Roland R. Joyal, collaborative leader, said Thursday that the theft, discovered Wednesday morning,forced a one-day cancellation of special-education transportation for Agawam and West Springfield schools. Some 180 students were forced to remain at home and take classes remotely.
Thieves steal catalytic converters from 22 special-ed buses; Agawam, West Springfield scrambling to get 180 students to school
Updated Apr 28, 2021;
AGAWAM Thieves stole the catalytic converters from 22 mini-buses used to transport special-education children to school, and now officials in Agawam and West Springfield are scrambling to find ways to get the children to school each day.
Some 180 students were affected by the theft, said West Springfield School Superintendent Timothy Connor. It is not clear when the buses will be operable again and when they can be used to transport children.
Agawam Lt. Edward McGovern said the thieves were not targeting school children. They were interested in the buses only because they were equipped with catalytic converters, which are in high demand because they contain metals that are in high demand in the metal recycling industry.
Christmas Eve Storm Causes Downed Trees, Ripped Roofs, Power Outages Across Delaware Valley
CBS Philadelphia 12/25/2020 Syndicated Local – CBS Philly
WEST NORRITON, Pa. (CBS) Tens of thousands spent Christmas in the dark because of power outages in the Delaware Valley after a thunderous storm on Christmas Eve. West Norriton was one of the hardest-hit areas in the region.
Neighbors woke up to a massive tree ripped from its roots on Christmas morning, which is now toppled in the middle of the intersection. It snapped a power pole, which is still dangling from the wires. Neighbors are just grateful it wasn’t worse.