East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station and Los Angeles County have an increase in the number of reported catalytic converter thefts.
Your vehicle's catalytic converter is a device used to reduce toxicity of emissions from an internal combustion engine. It is required by law on every motor vehicle operated in the United States since 1975. It is attached to your exhaust system and is located underneath your car. Catalytic Converters contain expensive precious metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium. These recyclable materials can easily be “scrapped” for a quick profit.
Catalytic converter thieves generally target trucks or SUVs because the higher ground clearance allows for easier access underneath the vehicle. However, sports cars and sedans may also be targeted.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE?
· Park in well-lit areas with surveillance cameras and/or where the vehicle will be seen by passersby.
· Park trucks or SUVs surrounded by low ground clearance vehicles.
· If your catalytic converter is a bolt-on model, have the bolts welded shut.
· Install a catalytic converter protection device that clamps around the converter.
· Etch your converter with the vehicle’s license plate number in several locations.
If you see anything suspicious, please call East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station:
(323) 264-4151 for Non-Emergency Calls
9-1-1 for Emergency Calls
East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station
5019 E. Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90022
If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
If you see anything suspicious, please call Century Sheriff’s Station:
