Ventura County Sheriff – Incident Press Release
A crew of catalytic converter thieves were apprehended after they stole from a Fillmore resident. Investigators suspect they might be involved in similar crimes occurring in the region.
In the early morning hours of February 8th, a Fillmore resident heard a loud noise coming from her vehicle that was parked nearby. Upon further examination, the victim discovered her catalytic converter had been removed from the vehicle and the suspects fled the area. The victim provided the vehicle information that was believed to be associated with the thieves. Deputies quickly responded to the area and noticed two vehicles fleeing. One was identified as a white Toyota Prius, containing three suspects and a yellow Chevrolet Camaro with two occupants.
Deputies coordinated a stop of both vehicles. Deputies immediately noticed the Prius had a catalytic converter that had been cut in the rear compartment. The deputies investigated deeper and located saws, a car jack and other items related to catalytic converter thefts.
All of the subjects associated in both vehicles were deemed to be working in concert to steal catalytic converters. They were arrested and transported to the Police Station.
As the investigation progressed, a second resident called and reported that the catalytic converter was stolen from her vehicle which was parked in the 900 block of Fourth Street. Investigators were able to link this theft with the suspects associated with the Prius and Camaro.
All five suspects were arrested and booked at the Pre-Trail Detention Facility for the following charges:
- PC 487 (a) Grand Theft
- PC 182 (a)(1) Conspiracy to Commit Crime
- PC 466 Possession of Burglary Tools
The suspects in this case are currently in custody pending a court appearance on February 10, 2021 and $300,000 bail.
Catalytic converter crimes are on the rise throughout county. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance with reducing these events. We encourage you to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood and help reduce your chances of becoming a victim by parking your vehicles in well-lit areas or secured garages.
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Why catalytic converter’s. Why do they want those so bad that they are stealing them
The materials inside a catalytic converters are actually precious metals like platinum or iridium
They are valuable for the precious metals they contain. So thieves will recycle them at recycling centers usually in L.A. County.