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The Brentwood Police Deparmtent has an important message for the community!

The city is seeing another spike in thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles. A Catalytic Converter is a part of the vehicles exhaust system. It helps reduce vehicle pollution.

Catalytic Converters, along with copper and other metals, have become a hot commodity for thieves. Catalytic Converter theft has become popular because of their value, relative ease to steal (unbolt or cut out), and their lack of identifying markings.

Our thefts are occurring city-wide, normally during the overnight hours. The most commonly targeted vehicles continue to be Mitsubishi Montero, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tacoma, and Toyota Sequoia.

Preventive tips on how to help prevent your Catalytic Converter from getting stolen:

1. The No. 1 way to protect your vehicles Catalytic Converter is to park your vehicle(s) inside a garage or in a secure side yard.
2. If you must park your vehicle in the driveway, motion detector lights or continuous lights illuminating your driveway may be a deterrent.
3. Also, getting a vehicle motion detector alarm might help.
4. Educate your friends and neighbors about Catalytic Converter theft so they can be a look-out too.
5. Have extra metal welded to your exhaust system. Muffler shops are offering creative ways to protect your Catalytic Converter. They weld on metal to make it difficult for the Catalytic Converter to be removed. The cost is often less than your insurance deductible and definitely less than the full replacement cost (if you don’t have comprehensive insurance).
6. Install a Catalytic Converter Protection Device. There are devices on the market that will clamp/go around your Catalytic Converter. Devices are often more expensive than welding extra metal, but for some this is the option they prefer.

What if your Catalytic Converter is stolen?

If your Catalytic Converter is stolen, you will know right away when you start your vehicle. It will sound like you don't have a muffler at all (like loud motorcycle mufflers). It is ok to drive your vehicle directly to a muffler/dealer shop to get the Catalytic Converter replaced. You do not need your vehicle towed to the shop.

****Keep an eye on your neighbors' vehicles and call Brentwood PD Dispatch if you observe anything suspicious (9-1-1 for emergencies, 925-778-2441 for non-emergencies).