ASHEBORO, N.C. — Three people were arrested after deputies interrupted a catalytic converter theft ring and recovered stolen parts and burglary tools, according to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.
On June 16, 2021, deputies responded to Old Cox Road after receiving a report of a burglary attempt. The victim said someone had tried to cut the catalytic converter from his vehicle and provided descriptions of suspicious vehicles in the area.
While taking the report, a deputy spotted a vehicle matching that description and pulled it over. A search yielded a power saw, handsaws, various tools and a catalytic converter.
During the search, Randolph County 911 reported a second catalytic converter theft on Old North Carolina Highway 13. The vehicle description matched the one deputies had stopped.
Robbie Lee Ratliff, the driver, and passengers Robert Daniel Pugh and Jason Peter Pugh were arrested and transported to the Randolph County Jail.
Ratliff was charged with felony breaking and entering, felony possession of burglary tools and misdemeanor possession of stolen property. Bond was set at $5,000 secured.
Jason Peter Pugh was charged with two counts of felony larceny of motor vehicle parts and misdemeanor possession of stolen property. Bond was set at $10,000 secured.
Robert Daniel Pugh was charged with two counts of felony larceny of motor vehicle parts, misdemeanor possession of stolen property and served with a failure-to-appear warrant. Bond was set at $15,000 secured.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.
Why catalytic converters
Catalytic converters contain small amounts of rare, expensive metals — typically platinum and rhodium — that neutralize harmful engine exhaust gases. Thieves don’t extract the metals themselves; instead, they sell the converters to recyclers who pay top dollar because processors extract the metals for resale.
At the time of the thefts, platinum was valued at approximately $1,055 per ounce and rhodium at more than $20,100 per ounce.
Prevention
Parking in well-lit, visible areas makes theft less likely. Engraving a vehicle’s VIN on the converter helps police locate stolen parts. Anti-theft devices such as special cages, clamps and vibration-sensitive car alarms can deter or slow thieves.
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