Troy 30-C School District in Joliet implements emergency e-learning day due to surge in theft of school bus catalytic converters

JOLIET, Ill. (WLS) — A rash of catalytic converter thefts targeting a Joliet school bus parking lot forced an e-learning day for students Monday.

Joliet police responded to a theft incident at the Troy School District Transportation Lot on Theodore Street. Reports indicated that catalytic converters were stolen from multiple school buses during the early hours of Monday. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the converters had been removed from 30 buses belonging to the district between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.

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Police said the suspected vehicle involved is a dark-colored SUV that was last seen near Riviera Boulevard and Leonard Drive shortly after 3 a.m.

Authorities from the Troy 30-C School District confirmed that over 80% of their bus fleet was affected by the theft, leaving them non-operational. Consequently, the district declared an emergency e-learning day and is making efforts to repair the buses promptly.

It remains uncertain if there will be any additional e-learning days this week while the buses are being fixed. The district assured parents that they would receive updates regarding the situation.

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Joliet police and the Tri County Auto Theft Task Force are working leading the investigation into the thefts, and working closely with the school district.

Police are asking anyone with video or information about to contact the Tri County Auto Theft Task Force at 815-724-4677 or [email protected], or to contact Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 to leave an anonymous tip.

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