CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT CAUGHT ON CAMERA
On March 18, 2022, at approximately 3:13 am, the Simi Valley Police Department responded to the 2600 block of Sunshine Valley Ct. reference a report of a catalytic converter theft. The victim advised the officers that suspects stole his catalytic converter and caught the crime on his ring camera.
The video shows the suspects approach the vehicle parked in the driveway of the residence. The first suspect used a floor jack to lift the vehicle, while the second suspect cuts the catalytic converter from the vehicle with a sawsall tool. A third suspect can be seen in the background as a “look out”. The theft is completed in just over one minute.
The suspects drove in three separate vehicles. Two of the vehicles appear to be dark colored sedans, while the third vehicle appears to be a light colored, possibly silver sedan.
The first suspect is described as a male, wearing a light colored mask, blue hooded sweat shirt with “TEAM 10” on the back of the sweat shirt in white lettering, blue jeans, and black shoes.
The second suspect is described as a male, wearing a dark colored mask, black shirt, black pants, and red shoes.
The third suspect is described as a male, wearing a dark colored baseball cap, dark colored mask, blue shirt, blue jeans, and black shoes.
That morning, there were two additional catalytic converter thefts reported and it is unknown at this time if they are related. One of the thefts occurred on the 6700 block of Bernal St. and the other occurred on the 1800 block of Alscot Ave.
Anyone with information reference these incidents; please contact the Simi Valley Police Department at (805) 583-6950. The Simi Valley Police Department would like to remind the community of the following crime prevention tips against catalytic converter thefts:
- Report any suspicious subjects or any out of the ordinary sounds to the police.
- Park vehicles in an enclosed garage.
- Park vehicles in the driveway with the rear doors closest to your residence.
- Install an anti-theft device on vehicle and/or catalytic converter.
- Leave exterior residential lights on throughout the night or install motion detecting lights. Additional lighting may make a thief more visible.
- If you park on the street, choose a well-lit area and trim back any trees and/or bushes that may block your view of the vehicle.
- Etch the vehicle’s license plate numbers onto the catalytic converter. The Simi Valley Police Department has partnered with local business in the “Etch and Catch” program to provide this service to residents of Simi Valley.
- Always remove keys, roll up windows, and lock the vehicle.
Commander Ritchie Lew
Public Information Officer
Media Contact: (805) 583-6909
Address/Location
Simi Valley Police Department
3901 Alamo St
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-583-6950