--- title: "Thieves Steal Oscar Mayer Wienermobile’s Cat" description: "Thieves in Las Vegas cut the catalytic converter out of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile as it sat in a parking lot overnight," date: "2023-02-12" modified: "2023-02-12" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/thieves-steal-oscar-mayer-wienermobiles-cat" categories: - "News" --- # Thieves Steal Oscar Mayer Wienermobile’s Cat ![]() *Photo | Bill Uhrich | MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle | Getty Images* I'm not sure I want to live in a world where even the Oscar Mayer [Wienermobile]() isn't safe anymore. On Thursday, February 9, thieves snuck into the Sonesta Suites parking lot, on Paradise Road in Las Vegas, and cut out the Wienermobile's catalytic converter. I get that cats are valuable but the *Wienermobile*? Is nothing sacred? According to local *CBS* affiliate *[8 News Now]()*, the Wienermobile was set to make a 10 a.m. appearance, when [its drivers]() noticed it wouldn't start. So they towed it to a local Penske shop, whose mechanics were naturally pretty shocked to see the 27 foot (60 hot dogs) long Wienermobile sitting in one of the bays. ![]() *Photo | Bill Uhrich | MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle | Getty Images* Thinking quickly, the Penske shop's parts administrator Joseph Rodriguez and his crew were able to find a temporary catalytic converter that fit and rigged it to work. A real repair will have to wait, though, as it can take up to two months to get the exact catalytic converter needed for the Wienermobile's 6.0-liter [Chevy]() V8. However, that seems to be the case with any car. According to Rodriguez, catalytic converter theft has been a big problem in Nevada for years and there aren't many signs of it slowing down. His crew was able to fix the giant fiberglass hot dog and get it back on the road in time for its appearance but the issue of stolen cats isn't one that seems to be going away. Catalytic converters have always been high value targets for [Sawzall-wielding thieves ]()but such theft has become a multi-million dollar enterprise over the past year or so. Back in November, feds busted a $545 million catalytic converter theft ring, which consisted of 21 people across five different states. Nevada was one such state but it seems the federal bust wasn't enough to stop the Wienermobile from getting snipped. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()