WAUKESHA, Wis. — Nearly 20 catalytic converters were stolen from school buses parked at First Student Inc., a transportation company located at 1505 Arcadian Avenue in Waukesha. The thefts were discovered early Thursday morning, just before student transportation routes were set to begin.
As a result, several school bus routes were delayed or canceled across the district. School officials and First Student scrambled to inform families and arrange alternate transportation for affected students.
“This type of crime not only impacts property but directly affects the daily lives of students and families,” said the Waukesha Police Department. “We are dedicating a significant amount of investigative resources to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
Police say the stolen catalytic converters were taken from buses parked at the transportation yard overnight. Surveillance footage is currently under review, and detectives are actively seeking witnesses.
The theft comes amid a nationwide trend of catalytic converter crimes, driven by the high value of the precious metals they contain. Each stolen converter can cost thousands to replace, and when multiple vehicles are hit at once—as in this case—the disruption can ripple through an entire community.
Detective Chris Bloom is leading the investigation. Authorities urge anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity near Arcadian Avenue overnight, or who may have relevant information, to call him directly at 262-524-3785.
The investigation is ongoing.
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