London The Happy Dog Is Ready To Be Adopted

London the happy dog is ready to be adopted. She is out Mutt Monday dog this week. London is just about the happiest dog you will ever meet. She has a chronic eye condition that has left her with diminished sight, but that does not stop her from chasing her tennis ball all over the yard! She would love to find a home that will provide her lots of attention, play time, and unlimited fish and chips. Thanks to the Pit Project and her sponsor, London's adoption fee is $75. She has been sponsored in memory of Kathi Proper. You must own your home to adopt her.

London is our Mutt Monday dog this week and she is available at Pet Pal Animal Shelter in St. Pete.

So, what are the most targeted vehicles for car theft in Florida? Well, there is one item on these cars that is being stolen and thieves want their hands on it. The catalytic converter is being targeted now more than ever. It contains precious metals and those metals are getting more expensive. The report come from CARFAX, who put together a list of the top vehicles for car theft in Florida.

So, what is a catalytic converter? CARFAX says, "Catalytic converters are a key component of a car’s emissions control system, reducing the amount of pollution coming out of the tailpipe. They transform hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides – the bad stuff – into oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide." Inside the catalytic converter there are precious metals like: palladium, rhodium, and platinum.

Catalytic converters have been on cars since 1975. Electric cars don't have them because they don't have an exhaust system. It also doesn't take long to remove it. A small saw can remove it in less than 60 seconds.

How to prevent thieves from stealing it? Experts say to buy a catalytic converter anti-theft device. It is a metal plate that shops can add on to your car. You can also get your VIN number engraved on the converter. That makes it much tougher for the thief to sell it.

Last year, the Florida Legislature passed a bill making it a third-degree felony for a person to knowingly possess, purchase, sell or install a stolen catalytic converter.

From new info from the HSCO in a Feb 2024 email...The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced in 2023 that they will make permanent their auto theft and retail theft task forces. They were initially established to address the rising concerns about auto theft and retail theft in Hillsborough County. Both of those squads met or exceeded their expectations so they decided to become permanent.

"With their newly permanent status, the Auto Theft Squad and Retail Theft Squad will continue to build on their incredible accomplishments, further strengthening their impact on crime prevention and law enforcement efforts in our county," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "As Sheriff, I look forward to the continued success of these squads as they play a pivotal role in maintaining the safety and well-being of our Hillsborough County residents."

[SOURCE: ABC Action News]

The F-150 is the most popular vehicle in history. It also comes in #1 on the list.

It is America's second most sold mid-size sedan in terms of popularity. It is only behind the Toyota Camry.

The Prius is a hybrid and thieves are targeting those vehicles more. They contain more of the precious metals.

The crossover has been produced by Honda since 1995.

The Explorer was introduced in 1991, but they can thank Jurassic Park for taking it to the next level. It was the vehicle featured on the tour they go on in the movie.

Chevy announced an EV of the Equinox, but the gas powered version is on this list.

The signature truck for Chevy. Thieves like this truck also.

First released in 1995. It has been named Motor Trend's Truck of the Year before.