Full Notification

The Public Safety Department has become aware of several instances of catalytic converter theft that have occurred in different parts of the City specifically in the following areas:

• On the 1600 Block of Delford Avenue between Saturday, March 5, 2022, 7 PM and March 6, 2022, 6 AM, suspect(s) unknown stole the catalytic converter from a 2013 Toyota Prius. No surveillance video available.
• On the 1400 Block of Random Lane between Saturday, March 5, 2022, 12 PM and March 6, 2022, 6 AM, suspect(s) unknown stole the catalytic converter from a 2016 Chevy Silverado. No surveillance video available.
• At Duarte Carmax on Friday at 4 AM, two unknown suspects stole the catalytic converters from the parking lot, from a 2021 Toyota Tundra and a 2019 Toyota Tundra. No surveillance video available.
• On the 1000 Block of Miltonwood Avenue on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 4 AM, suspect(s) unknown stole the catalytic converter from a 2016 Toyota Tacoma. No surveillance video available.
• On the 1600 Block of Delford Avenue on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at approximately 5:22 AM, suspect(s) unknown, driving a silver Toyota Prius stole the catalytic converter from a 2016 Toyota Prius. No surveillance video available.

Catalytic converters thefts have become common in the area because converters contain platinum which can be sold for a quick profit. Duarte and surrounding communities in LA County have seen an increase in the number of reported thefts.  

Your vehicle’s catalytic converter is a device used to reduce the toxicity of emissions from your engine. Catalytic converters have been required by law on every motor vehicle operated in the US since 1975. It is attached to your exhaust and located under your car. In addition, platinum converters contain other precious metals like palladium and rhodium.  

When Deputies conduct a traffic stop, and the suspect has a catalytic converter, it is impossible to find the owner. Sheriffs Department and Duarte have partnered with Mountain View Tire and Auto Service (877) 872-0119 in the Target Shopping Center, and they will help residents etch the car license number on the catalytic converter free of charge.    

Additional patrol has been deployed into all Duarte neighborhoods. But we want to remind you that the most effective way to prevent becoming a victim is to take proactive steps below:

• If you have an SUV, Truck, or Prius, give that car priority in your garage and secure them over your other vehicles
• Always lock your vehicle, take your keys, set your alarm even if at home or in your garage
• Never keep spare keys in or under your car or around your home  
• Maintain a clean car and do not keep valuables in it, or the trunk
• Park in well lit, heavily populated areas (preferably in a garage or driveway)
• Make a copy of your registration and insurance, and keep them in your wallet or purse. Then remove all forms of identification from your vehicle

If your converter is stolen, please file a police report immediately after the theft is discovered. You may call the non-emergent  LASD Online Reporting System or call Temple Sheriff’s Station Dispatch at (626) 448-9861.