Sentinel staff report–
Citrus Heights police on Saturday said several arrests were made following an advisory sent out by the department on social media asking residents to alert police of suspicious activity related to catalytic converters being stolen from vehicle exhaust systems.
Catalytic converters are a valuable part of a vehicle’s exhaust system that help reduce emissions. Police say thieves will steal the part and sell the raw material inside as scrap.
Following an initial advisory on Thursday that asked residents to be on the lookout for nighttime thieves targeting converters, the department said arrests were made that same night.
“On Thursday evening, not long after we asked for your help by calling in suspicious activity involving catalytic converters in our city, an alert citizen called in & arrests were made!” the department posted on Facebook, along with a “thank you” hashtag and a message to “continue to be on the lookout.”
The department’s post included a photo of a suspect being led into a police SUV, along with a photo showing a cut-off catalytic converter, several bolt cutters and numerous power tools in front of a car, apparently seized during the arrest.
Lt. Michael Wells told The Sentinel on Saturday there were a total of 31 reports of stolen catalytic converters in Citrus Heights. Stats for 2020 were not available, and Wells did not indicate whether there has been a spike in such thefts.
As prevention measures, Wells said “any type of additional security such as straps for converters can be a deterrent.” He also said police recommend lighting with motion detection that will turn on if a suspect enters a property or driveway.
Wells said CHPD is also planning to hold an event where residents can have their catalytic converters etched with an identifier. He said etching can help police if they find a suspect with a stockpile of likely stolen converters.
Police said common targets are Toyota’s and SUVs. According to a recent NBC report, there has been a spike in thefts from Toyota Prius’s in particular. Surveillance video from NBC shows a catalytic converter being stolen from a vehicle in less than 80 seconds, with thieves pulling up next to a car, lifting up one side with a jack, and then quickly making off with the part.
The Mercury News reported earlier this month that the replacement cost of a catalytic converter on a Prius is about $3,000. Stolen converters from such vehicles fetch $225 to $250.
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