News Summary
The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile will make three appearances in the Las Vegas Valley this weekend following a theft incident where its catalytic converter was stolen. The beloved promotional vehicle will stop at various Smith’s locations, bringing joy and fun to local residents. The crew, who engage the public with fun names and activities, managed to commence their planned events by installing a temporary replacement for the stolen part. This situation underscores the rise in catalytic converter thefts affecting the Las Vegas area.
Las Vegas, NV – The iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is set to make three scheduled appearances in the Las Vegas Valley this weekend, despite a recent incident involving theft. The Wienermobile, a 27-foot-long promotional vehicle for Oscar Mayer products, will be stopping at various Smith’s locations within the area. The specific stops include:
- Smith’s #367 at 9710 W Skye Canyon Park Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89166
- Smith’s #331 at 845 E Lake Mead Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89011
- Smith’s #301 at 3013 West Craig Road, North Las Vegas, NV 89032
The cheerful crew accompanying the Wienermobile features individuals with fun names such as Corn Dog Clara and “Chad”dar Cheese, known for engaging with the public and spreading joy about Oscar Mayer’s offerings. However, the vehicle recently faced challenges when it was parked at Sonesta Suites, 4034 Paradise Road, where its catalytic converter was stolen on Thursday night.
This theft caused a significant issue, rendering the Wienermobile unable to start for its scheduled 10 a.m. appearance on Friday morning. The crew was forced to tow the vehicle to Penske Truck Rental at West Hacienda Avenue and South Decatur Boulevard, where they managed to install a temporary catalytic converter to allow the vehicle to continue its promotional activities.
Joseph Rodriguez, parts administrator at Penske, noted the unexpected nature of the Wienermobile’s appearance for repairs. However, he also mentioned that obtaining a proper replacement catalytic converter could take one to two months due to the high demand for these parts.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has reported a concerning rise in catalytic converter thefts throughout the area, with 2,600 incidents recorded in 2022. This figure represents a 72% increase compared to the previous year. The precious metals found in catalytic converters, such as palladium and platinum, have made them appealing targets for thieves, leading to a spike in thefts as criminals seek to capitalize on their value.
In response to the theft incident, the corporate office of Sonesta Suites is currently investigating the situation. Notably, there was no initial report made to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department regarding the theft of the Wienermobile’s catalytic converter, which has brought additional scrutiny to the case.
Despite the recent theft, the Wienermobile’s scheduled appearances will go on as planned, bringing delight to fans and residents of the Las Vegas Valley. This event highlights not only the dedication of the Oscar Mayer team to promote their products but also the ongoing issue of catalytic converter theft in the community.
With the Wienermobile on the move this weekend, local residents will have an opportunity to interact with this beloved symbol of American culture while also being reminded of the challenges posed by theft in the area.
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Additional Resources
- Fox5 Vegas: Oscar Mayer Wienermobile Rolls Through Las Vegas Valley
- Google Search: Oscar Mayer Wienermobile
- Fox5 Vegas Video: Wienermobile in Las Vegas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Catalytic Converter
- 8 News Now: Theft of Catalytic Converter Stalls Wienermobile
- Google News: Catalytic Converter Theft in Las Vegas
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
