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 1400 Block of Fairlee Avenue on Tuesday, March 29 at 2:30 pm, suspect(s) unknown stole the catalytic converter from a parked 2009 Toyota Prius. 

• On the 2600 Block of Bloomdale Street on Thursday, March 31, between 5:00 am, and 5:30 am, suspect(s) unknown stole the catalytic converter to the victim's parked vehicle, a white 2015 Nissan.   
  
   
• On the 1500 Block of Third Street between Tuesday, March 29 at 2:00 pm and Thursday, March 31 at 9:50 am, suspect(s) unknown stole the catalytic converter to the victim's parked vehicle, a silver 2022 Honda Accord. 
  
   
• On the 2200 block of  Maynard Drive between Wednesday, March 30 at 5:00 pm and Thursday, March 31 at 7:00 pm, suspect(s) unknown stole the catalytic converter to the victim's parked vehicle, a white 2015 Nissan van.   
  
   
• On the 2300 Block of Huntington Drive on Thursday, March 31 at 5:29 am, suspect(s) unknown driving a black four-door BMW and a white four-door BMW stole the catalytic converter to the victim's parked vehicle, a gold 2006 Honda Accord. 
  
   
• On the 1000 Block of Junipero Drive on Saturday, April 2 at 3:48 pm, suspect(s) unknown driving a dark sedan stole the catalytic converter to the victim's parked vehicle, a white 2018 Toyota Tacoma.   

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 increased 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. The Sheriff’s Department and the City of Duarte have partnered with Mountain View Tire and Auto Service (877) 872-0119 in the Target Shopping Center. 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)  
• Please 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 by calling Temple Sheriff’s Station Dispatch at (626) 448-9861.