Full Notification

The following is a synopsis of crimes reported for the week of July 31, 2022 – August 6, 2022.        

July 31, 2022

• No significant activity.

 
August 1, 2022

• Grand Theft:

1600 Mountain Avenue (Walmart). On August 1, 2022 between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM suspect(s) unknown stole the victim’s “Coop” bronze bike that was secured to the bike rack at the location. Loss was approximately $2,500. No surveillance video available. 
  
August 2, 2022

• Petty Theft:

1600 Mountain Avenue (Walmart). On August 2, 2022 between 6:00 PM and 6:41 PM suspect(s) unknown stole the victim’s “Trek” black mountain bike that was unsecured at the location. Loss was approximately $130. No surveillance video available. 
 
August 3, 2022

• Grand Theft Vehicle:

1008 Kellwill Way. On August 3, 2022 between 8:45 AM and 9:30 AM suspect(s) unknown stole the victims parked vehicle a white 2004 Chevy Suburban.  Vehicle outstanding.  No surveillance video available.
 
August 4, 2022

• Burglary (Commercial):

1360 Huntington Drive (Expose Nail and Hair).  Between August 3, 2022 8:15 PM and August 4, 2022 9:00 AM suspect(s) unknown shattered the front window to the location and ransacked the business.  Suspects stole a credit card reader and an envelope full of U.S. currency. Loss was approximately $700.  No surveillance video available. 
 
August 5, 2022

• Burglary (Commercial):

1098 Huntington Drive (Mountain View Tire & Auto).  On August 5, 2022 at 6:40 AM suspect unknown a male Hispanic adult riding a bike was observed entering the location through an open window on the garage.  The suspect exited the location and fled towards Mountain Avenue.  A witness who observed the suspect enter the location followed the suspect and advised him he was being recorded and that he was calling the police.  The suspect proceeded to stop and handed the witness a set of car keys and a tablet that he had stolen from the business.  The suspect fled the area prior to law enforcement arrival. 
 
August 6, 2022

• No significant activity.

   
Catalytic Converter Theft Information
Catalytic Converter is a part of the vehicles exhaust system. It helps reduce vehicle pollution. Catalytic Converters are located under a vehicle on the exhaust pipe before the muffler(s). Catalytic Converters, along with copper and other metals, have become a hot commodity for thieves. Catalytic Converter theft has become popular because of their value, relative ease to steal (unbolt or cut out), and their lack of identifying markings. The lack of identification makes it difficult to identify victims and successfully apprehend and prosecute criminals.
Thieves take the stolen Catalytic Converters to metal recyclers. The recyclers pay an average of $50 per converter for the precious metals inside them. But certain converters they will pay up to $250. Victims pay an average of $1000 (or an average $250/$500 insurance deductible) to get the converter(s) replaced. It can cost as much as $4000 however.

Common Places Where Catalytic Converter Theft Occurs

• Your Home Driveway or Street: Most of the Catalytic Converter thefts occur while your car is parked in your driveway or on the street in front of your house.
• Hardware / Convenient Store Parking Lots: Vehicles parked in large open Hardware / Convenient Store parking lots are targeted. A look-out will often watch out as a thief takes the Catalytic Converter.
• Auto Dealer Lots: Brand new vehicles on a Dealer Lot are targeted. The thieves have all night to steal popular Catalytic Converters while the new vehicles sit in their parking lot. Dealers have seen up to 20 Catalytic Converters taken in a night.
• Semi-Truck Auto Transport Trailer: Vehicles are targeted while they are on a Semi-Truck Auto Transport Trailer. Thieves can easily get underneath the vehicles to remove the Catalytic Converters.

Tips on how to help prevent your Catalytic Converter from getting Stolen: The #1 way to protect your vehicles Catalytic Converter is to park your vehicle(s) inside a garage or in a secure side yard.
If you must park your vehicle in the driveway, motion detector lights or continuous lights illuminating your driveway may be a deterrent. Also, getting a vehicle motion detector alarm might help. Look for suspicious people and vehicles in your neighborhood. If you see a suspicious person under a vehicle, chances are they are attempting to steal the Catalytic Converter. Get the suspect(s) and/or suspect vehicle descriptions if possible. Write down the license plate of a suspicious vehicle if you can safely. If the crime is in progress, call 911. If the crime is not in progress, call Temple Sheriff Station non-emergency number (626)285-7171 with the information.
 
If you have a vehicle with an accessible and highly desirable Catalytic Converter a thief would want to steal, we suggest the following:

• Get your Catalytic Converter etched with your vehicle license plate number.
• Have extra metal welded to your exhaust system Muffler shops are offering creative ways to protect your Catalytic Converter. They weld on metal to make it difficult for the Catalytic Converter to be removed. The cost is often less than your insurance deductible and definitely less than the full replacement cost.
• Install a Catalytic Converter Protection Device There are devices on the market that will clamp/go around your Catalytic Converter. Devices are often more expensive than welding extra metal, but for some this is the option they prefer.

What if your Catalytic Converter is stolen?
If your Catalytic Converter is stolen, you will know right away when you start your vehicle. It will sound like you don't have a muffler at all (like loud motorcycle mufflers). It is ok to drive your vehicle directly to a muffler/dealer shop to get the Catalytic Converter replaced. You do not need your vehicle towed to the shop. ALWAYS Call Temple Sheriff’s Station for any suspicious activity at (626) 285-7171.