A tip from a citizen led to huge, 11-month-long investigation ensuing within the identification of 30 folks suspected to be concerned in catalytic converter thefts within the Bay Space, the Livermore Police Division introduced Thursday.
In January, a Livermore resident reportedly observed folks appearing suspiciously and obtained a photograph of a partial license plate, which they submitted to police.
Livermore police, at the side of Pleasanton police, determined to pursue the partial license plate, given the immense rise in catalytic converter thefts all through the state lately. The investigation led them to 3 completely different Bay Space counties, police mentioned.
On Oct. 25, the 2 police departments concluded their preliminary investigation and served a search warrant in Stockton, resulting in the identification of about 30 suspects, police mentioned. Greater than 50 catalytic converters, $91,000 in money, unlawful weapons and medicines and stolen automobiles have been additionally discovered in the course of the search, police mentioned.
Through the investigation, police additionally recognized “a number of areas” that had operated as “chop outlets” for stolen items and decided that a whole bunch of catalytic converters had been dropped there and dismantled, police mentioned. Two such alleged chop outlets have been shut down.
Police referred to the suspects as taking part in a “prison theft ring the place thieves would steal catalytic converters all through California and Oregon and drop the stolen catalytic converters at these identified drop areas in Stockton and Placer County,” they mentioned. The stolen property was additionally reportedly offered at these areas.
“The duty power additionally discovered that a number of suspects related to the prison theft ring have been arrested for catalytic converter thefts and have been bailed out of jail by different suspects related to this theft ring,” police mentioned. “As soon as bailed out, they instantly went again to committing thefts.”
The investigation is ongoing.
Catalytic converter theft claims have been up 175% amongst State Farm prospects in California from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, in contrast with the identical interval within the earlier yr, a report from the insurance coverage firm confirmed. Greater than 6,400 catalytic converters have been stolen within the state simply from State Farm prospects — and a declare filed with the insurance coverage firm — in 12 months.
What makes a catalytic converter helpful? The metals it is made from, together with platinum, palladium and rhodium. State Farm mentioned the half may be value a number of a whole bunch to a number of 1000’s of {dollars}. Some thieves promote the half for scrap metallic. And a catalytic converter takes a matter of minutes — and generally lower than that — to steal.
To keep away from thefts, consultants suggest parking your automobile inside a storage or at the very least in a well-lit space. You may also set up an alarm system, level a safety digital camera at your automobile or engrave your VIN in your automobile’s catalytic converter. Corporations additionally make cages and plates that value about $150 to $500 that may be put in over the half.
