Even one of the most recognizable vehicles in America was not immune to the nationwide increase in catalytic converter thefts last week.
The renowned Oscar Mayer Wienermobile was vandalized Thursday evening while parked in the Sonesta Suites parking lot on Paradise Road in Las Vegas.
The theft was discovered on Friday morning when the team was unable to start the wiener on wheels prior to an appearance at Smith’s on W. Warm Springs Road at 10 a.m.
The Mayer automobile was ultimately hauled to the Penske Truck Rental location at West Hacienda Avenue and South Decatur Boulevard, where mechanics installed a “temporary” catalytic converter.
Due to a tight timetable, the Wienermobile had little time to revel in the heist, so mechanics sealed off the place where the catalytic converter had been removed.
The group arrived at its first appearance of the weekend without incident.
The mechanics hastily sealed the area where the catalyst was removed so the crew could make its maiden weekend appearance.
According to sources in Las Vegas, Sonesta Suites corporate is investigating the incident.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department reportedly stated early Friday that no theft report regarding the Weinermobile had been received.
This following weekend, the wiener made two additional trips and is reportedly still in functioning.
A new catalytic converter could take a couple of months to arrive, according to the auto repair business.
»Catalytic converter stolen from Oscar Mayer Wienermobile in Las Vegas«