Deputies nab two in scrap-metal theft
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LIVINGSTON — Deputies arrested two people under suspicion of stealing catalytic converters and alloy rims from an Albany scrap yard, a type of theft that investigators said Thursday they fear is on the rise because of high scrap metal prices.
“It’s a trend, not full-fledged in this parish, but people need to be aware of it,” said Deputy Perry Rushing, of the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The theft of copper wiring from homes under construction has been a problem for a while, Rushing said.
Now, thieves have been cutting catalytic converters, which contain platinum, from the exhaust systems of cars parked overnight at business places.
The thieves sell the converters for $50 to $500 each, Rushing said. Other metals also are fetching high prices, such as aluminum alloy rims for $25 apiece.
Chief Criminal Deputy Dennis Pevey of the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office also said that the theft of scrap metals, including catalytic converters, is on the rise in his jurisdiction as well.
Livingston and Tangipahoa law enforcement agencies worked together for a month to locate and arrest a couple who stole catalytic converters from an Albany scrap yard in March.
This is the third time in recent weeks that someone has been arrested in connection with thefts of catalytic converters, Rushing said.
On Tuesday, deputies arrested Keith W. Hardy, 32, 11244 Bassemier Lane, Hammond, at his mother’s house on Bassemier Lane based on an anonymous tip, news releases from both agencies say.
Hardy was booked into the Livingston Parish Jail on counts of unauthorized entry of a business and felony theft.
His mother, Laura Miller, 68, and another woman, Diane Maury, 45, both of the same address, were arrested and booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on Tuesday with harboring a fugitive, a statement from Tangipahoa authorities says.
Hardy’s alleged girlfriend, Donna Schiro, 43, 15455 U.S. 190, Covington, was arrested April 11 and booked into the Livingston Parish Jail on counts of unauthorized entry of a business, felony theft, trespassing, and public intoxication, a statement from Livingston authorities says.
