Thieves allegedly stole the valuable catalytic converter of an Oscar Mayer Wienermobile in Las Vegas on Thursday night.
The 27-foot vehicle was parked at the Sonesta Suites on Thursday when thieves stole its catalytic converter, according to a local CBS affiliate. The thieves also stole sensors and gaskets for the converter, according to the report. The devices contain valuable metals, such as palladium and platinum, that can be sold for thousands of dollars, the outlet noted. (RELATED: Man Crushed To Death While Stealing Catalytic Converter When Car Falls On Him)
The iconic @Wienermobile had to make a pit stop on Friday after the catalytic converter on the 27-foot-long hot dog on wheels was stolen.
STORY: https://t.co/VcSdDh25F2 pic.twitter.com/YD61cLDXtr— FOX5 Las Vegas (@FOX5Vegas) February 11, 2023
A crew later towed the vehicle to Penske Truck Rental, where mechanics gave it a temporary repair so it could get back on the road, according to the outlet.
Citizens reported over 2,600 incidents of catalytic converter theft in 2022, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said, according to CBS 8 News. The number spiked from 1,894 in 2021, a 72% increase, the outlet reported.
The famous vehicle went back on the road and had four showings in the Las Vegas Valley over the weekend, according to Fox5.