Catalytic Converter Thefts...
Over Valentine’s Day weekend, deputy sheriffs conducted three separate traffic stops resulting in the arrest of seven catalytic converter bandits.
The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station has seen a dramatic rise in the number of catalytic converters being stolen from the underside of parked vehicles. These converters are cut from the vehicle’s undercarriage and sold to scrap or salvage yards for the rare metals they contain. Recently, the Toyota Prius has been the car of choice for these thieves.
Vehicle owners are encouraged to take steps to mitigate or prevent these types of theft by parking their vehicles in their garage or marking the catalytic converter with an identifying number (i.e., a partial vehicle identification number or license plate number). Often, a mechanic’s shop will facilitate an engraving of these numbers for a nominal fee.
Catalytic converter theft has become the prevailing crime throughout Los Angeles County, and in the fight against crime, we are stronger when we act as a team!
PIO Tuyet Alcala, LASD, Public Information Officer
#Arrested #SeeSomethingSaySomething #TeamWork