In an effort to deter would-be thieves and to track stolen catalytic converters, the Moorpark Police Department has teamed up with several local auto repair, body shops, and oil change locations. The below listed businesses have agreed to etch your license plate number and paint a Sheriff’s star on your catalytic converter, free of charge. Our goal is to deter a potential thief who might be planning to steal your catalytic converter. As soon as they see the painted Sheriff’s star and engraved license plate number, they will hopefully leave your car alone. If they are bold enough to still steal your catalytic converter, law enforcement or a scrap yard will be able to recognize the catalytic converter as stolen based on the markings. Refer to the attached photograph of a marked catalytic converter from one of our police vehicles. You can make an “Etch and Catch” appointment at any of the below locations:
Andy’s Automotive (805) 529-6666 613 Fitch Avenue #1
Chris’ Auto Connection (805) 523-9350 476 Los Angeles Avenue #B-4
Dave’s Auto Repair (805) 523-7113 555 Spring Road #6
Elite Auto Repair (805) 529-9100 5240 Bonsai Street
Fix Auto (805) 552-4205 5395 Kazuko Court #A
Hi-Tech Auto (805) 529-8800 13806 Princeton Avenue
Jiffy Lube (805) 523-1100 797 Los Angeles Avenue
Moorpark Auto Collision (805) 529-6227 619 Fitch Avenue #5
Recon to Go Auto Collision Repair (818) 674-2452 613 Fitch Avenue #4
World Auto Repair (805) 523-7078 77 Park Lane #C
When you call for your appointment, make sure to mention it is for the “Etch and Catch” program.
We would like to thank all of our “Etch and Catch” partners. Without their help, this program would not be possible. As a community, we need to work together to prevent crime, and these companies have gone above and beyond in their efforts. The next time you are at a local auto repair, body shop, or oil change location, check for the “Moorpark Police Department Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Program - Member” sticker to see if they are a participant of this program. See attached photograph of the sticker.
Between 1/1/2020 and 2/18/2021, the top 10 vehicles targeted for catalytic converter thefts in Ventura County Sheriff’s jurisdictions have been:
1. Toyota Prius
2. Ford F250
3. Honda Element
4. Ford F350
5. Honda Accord
6. Ford Econoline
7. Jeep Grand Cherokee
8. Chevrolet Express
9. Chevrolet Astro Van
0. Ford Excursion
Many people have asked what they can do to help protect their vehicles. Here are some tips to help prevent catalytic converter theft:
1. Make an appointment to have your license plate number engraved and Sheriff’s star painted on your catalytic converter at one of the above listed “Etch and Catch” program locations.
2. Park in a secured garage when possible or in a well-lit area with surveillance cameras and/or where the vehicle will be seen by a passerby.
3. Install motion-sensitive lighting to illuminate driveways used for parking.
4. Consider adding security cameras to oversee driveway and on-street parking areas.
5. Research catalytic converter anti-theft devices and weigh the pros and cons of having one installed.
We are asking for our community’s help to prevent catalytic converter theft and put more of these thieves behind bars where they belong. If you hear strange noises during the night, such as power tools or sawing, if you see a vehicle driving suspiciously slow through your neighborhood or stopped at the side of the road, if you see or hear ANYTHING out of the ordinary, please immediately call dispatch at 911 or (805) 654-9511. Often times, cases are solved when an observant resident calls dispatch when something doesn’t seem quite right.
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
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