Full Notification

On April 3, 2022, at about 0205 hours, in the 2000 block of Connell Avenue, a victim heard what he believed to be a catalytic converter theft occurring in front of his residence. The victim went out front and confronted three males in hooded sweatshirts stealing his vehicle’s catalytic converter. One of the suspects pointed a Glock-type handgun at the victim and told him to go back inside. The victim complied and after going inside he heard a vehicle speed away. A check of the victim's vehicle confirmed that the victim's catalytic converter had been stolen.
 
At 0209 hours, a second call came in approximately one mile away in the 1800 block of Edgewood Drive, of another interrupted catalytic converter theft. The victim heard his dog barking, opened his front door, and observed three subjects at the front of his house. He asked them if he could help and they began to argue amongst themselves before fleeing in a smaller car with a loud exhaust. Fortunately, a check revealed that the victim's catalytic converter was still intact.
 
It is likely these two events are connected, but neither victim was able to provide detailed descriptions of the suspects or the suspect vehicle. 
 
Anyone with information reference this incident; 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 and safety tips against catalytic converter thefts:

• For your safety, please DO NOT confront the thieves.
• Report any suspicious subjects or any out-of-the-ordinary sounds to the police.
• Park vehicles in the driveway with the rear doors closest to your residence.
• 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.
• Always remove keys, roll up windows, and lock the vehicle.