Dozens of school buses hit by catalytic converter thefts on Chicago's West Side

Thieves targeted a First Student facility, damaging at least 33 vehicles overnight

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:19pm

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Thieves stole catalytic converters from at least 33 school buses parked overnight at a First Student, Inc. facility on Chicago's West Side, according to police. The thefts occurred near West Chicago Avenue and North Keeler Avenue, leaving the company scrambling to bring in additional buses from other locations to cover routes.

Why it matters

Catalytic converter thefts have become a growing problem nationwide, with thieves targeting the valuable metal components for resale. These thefts can leave school districts and transportation companies with significant repair costs and disruptions to student transportation services.

The details

Chicago police reported that thieves targeted the First Student facility, stealing catalytic converters from at least 33 school buses parked there overnight. Catalytic converters contain precious metals like rhodium, palladium and platinum, making them valuable targets for thieves who can quickly remove and resell them.

  • The thefts occurred overnight on April 14, 2026.

The players

First Student, Inc.

A major school bus transportation company that operates the facility where the thefts occurred.

Chicago Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the catalytic converter thefts.

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What’s next

Chicago police are continuing their investigation into the thefts and are working to identify any suspects.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge school districts and transportation providers face in protecting their fleets from catalytic converter theft, which can disrupt critical student transportation services. It underscores the need for improved security measures and collaboration with law enforcement to combat this growing criminal trend.