A massive theft of catalytic converters from school buses forced Troy School District 30-C in southwest suburban Chicago to implement emergency remote learning on Monday.
Officials discovered the theft during a routine bus inspection, revealing that about 90% of the district’s fleet had been targeted. Despite security measures—including surveillance cameras, enhanced lighting, and secure fencing—the theft left most buses inoperable.
Troy 30-C, which serves 3,900 students across Joliet, Shorewood, Channahon, Crest Hill, and unincorporated Troy Township, is working with bus vendors to expedite repairs and restore transportation. However, no timeline has been given for when normal bus service will resume.
In its statement, the district said, “We sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding exhibited by our community during this challenging time. Continuous updates will be provided throughout the day as new information emerges.”
“We are actively working with the Joliet Police Department and local authorities to investigate and hold those responsible accountable. We are quickly working and in contact with our bus vendors to get our bus fleet up and running as soon as possible,” the district stated.
The Joliet Police Department is investigating the theft, but details on potential suspects remain unclear.
Earlier this year, actor Johnny Wactor, who starred in General Hospital, was shot and killed during an alleged car theft in Los Angeles.
The tragic shooting reportedly unraveled when Wactor saw three men attempting to steal a catalytic converter from his car.
Wactor’s mother, Scarlett Wactor, said that her 37-year-old son confronted the suspects with a colleague, who shot him and fled the scene.
Catalytic converters, which contain valuable metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, have become a frequent target for thieves nationwide.
