The Bristol Borough Police Department is investigating a number of car thefts that occurred last night and in the month of June.

Chief of Police Steve Henry said of the overnight thefts, “the Bristol Borough Police are actively investigating last evening’s thefts and several thefts that took place earlier in June.”

Suspects are targeting older Ford trucks and vans, he said.

Henry declined to provide more specifics due to ongoing investigation, however, several community sources who witnessed police activity said the three vehicles were stolen from Corson Street in the early morning hours Thursday.

One source told Lower Bucks Source, they actually saw the thieves working underneath one vehicle that was left on the foot path behind 140 block of Buckley Street with its doors open.

The source said that when the owner of the vehicle came to pick up his stolen truck, “it was really loud” which is indicative of a converter being removed.

A second vehicle, the work truck of Councilman David Girard, who in April had a boat and trailer stolen from his driveway was located at the Bristol Regional Rail Station, a second source told the publication. That source said a total of “three trucks were stolen from Corson St” but police would not confirm or deny the report.

The thefts are related to would be thieves stealing catalytic converters from the Ford made vehicles.

Catalytic converter regulates a vehicle’s emissions and in some vehicles, sawing it off can take just a minute. In others, it’s a bit more difficult, experts say. Auto Insurance experts say thieves target the converters because they can be easily flipped for cash at scrap yards due to the  precious metals they contain and the soaring prices of those elements.

On Monday night, Morrisville Borough Chief of Police George McClay reported to the borough council two ford trucks were stolen, converters sawed off, and left within shouting distance of the residences they were stolen from.

McClay added similar crimes have also occurred in Falls Township.

In February thieves stole two Ford trucks and Sawed off the catalytic converters. No arrests have been in those cases. 

It was only yesterday police announced  John E. Foster III, age 60, of Falls Township  was being charged for stealing Girard’s boat and trailer in April

The rise in these types of thefts is being seen throughout the region and nationally too.

Please make sure to lock your vehicles and park in a well lit area. If possible install motion sensor lights along your driveway and have your vehicle equipped with an alarm, police suggest.