Catalytic Converter Thefts Delay Wisconsin Contractor’s School Bus Routes

September 21, 2026

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The theft of catalytic converters from 37 school buses at contractor GO Riteway’s Oak Creek facility delayed Monday morning for students in the Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District, reported ABC News.

According to the news report, employees discovered the vandalism the morning of Sept. 14 at the company’s Oak Creek facility. The damage left only a couple buses available to operate some routes on schedule, prompting the company and district to notify families of significant delays.

GO Riteway Transportation Group all morning routes were eventually completed. The company secured substitute buses and began moving spare vehicles from its facilities across Wisconsin to Oak Creek.

The district said the plan to run every afternoon route remained on track as replacement vehicles arrived throughout the day. Students who missed school or arrived late because of the disruption had their absence or tardiness marked as school-excused, the district said.

Oak Creek police reportedly released photos of suspects as officers investigated the thefts and vandalism. GO Riteway said it was cooperating with the department.

The company reportedly said the facility and parking lot are fenced and monitored by cameras. School bus lots remain targets for organized theft because catalytic converters contain metals with high scrap value. GO Riteway is reviewing additional security and deterrence measures at the Oak Creek property.

The district thanked families for their patience as it worked with the transportation company to restore service.

The theft was the second large-scale incident reported at GO Riteway’s Oak Creek operation in less than a year. Last November, thieves stole catalytic converters from 26 school buses at the same facility.

Written with the assistance of AI.