Thousand Oaks | Suspected arrested for Catalytic Converter Thefts

Ventura County Sheriff – Incident Press Release

On 03/12/2021, Thousand Oaks patrol deputies contacted multiple subjects and arrested them for attempted grand theft of catalytic converters. During the contact, deputies linked one of the suspects to a catalytic converter theft that occurred earlier in the week.

At approximately 2:30 a.m., on 03/12/2021, Thousand Oaks patrol deputies were conducting extra patrol in the area of 67 Taylor Court. This area consists of multiple industrial type businesses, including auto repair businesses. While patrolling the area, a deputy observed (A) Miguel Vega and (A) Sandra Pargas walking out from between two businesses in the area. The surrounding businesses were closed to the public at the time the deputy observed Vega and Pargas.

One of the deputies immediately recognized Vega’s vehicle as the same suspect vehicle in a separate catalytic converter theft that occurred on 03/07/2021 (RB# 21-30641).  Deputies contacted (A) Scott Jones inside the vehicle.  A search of the vehicle was conducted and deputies located tools commonly used by suspects to remove catalytic converters from vehicles.

All three subjects were arrested for conspiracy and attempted grand theft. Vega was also arrested for the grand theft that occurred on 03/07/2021. Pargas was additionally booked for an outstanding warrant and a parole hold was placed on Jones.

**There has been a significant increase of catalytic converter thefts within Ventura County over the past year. This is mainly due to the quick ability of criminals to remove the catalytic converters from vehicles and turn them in to recycling businesses for quick cash. If you observe any suspicious vehicles or activity that may be related to catalytic converter thefts, please contact Sheriff’s Dispatch at 805-654-9511.