Triad Area Auto Mechanics See Rise In Catalytic Converter Theft by David Ford 7:00am Dec 31, 2020 Ralph Ricciardi stands behind the counter of his West End Auto Clinic in Winston-Salem. DAVID FORD/WFDD
Update your browser or Flash plugin A string of car thefts in Winston-Salem has owners and auto mechanics scrambling to protect the vehicles against future break ins. The thieves are looking for catalytic converters. West End Auto Clinic owner Ralph Ricciardi recently received a phone call that’s becoming all too common. “He said, ‘I have a problem with my Prius,’ and I say, ‘What’s wrong?’ and he says, ‘It sounds like a NASCAR!’ I said, ‘Okay, I think I know what’s wrong with it,” says Ricciardi.