Full Notification

The following is a synopsis of crimes reported for the week of August 28, 2022 – September 03, 2022.        
 
August 28, 2022

• Grand Theft Auto:

Encanto Parkway and Huntington Drive. On August 28, 2022 between 2:55 PM and 3:45 PM suspect(s) unknown stole the victims parked vehicle a silver 2012 Volkswagen Passat. Vehicle recovered. No surveillance video available.
 
August 29, 2022

• Robbery:

1565 Central Avenue (Duarte High School). On August 29, 2022 at 5:00 PM the victim was walking on campus when she heard footsteps behind her. When she turned around, she noticed her ex-boyfriend approaching her. The suspect was on the phone and the victim heard him make some threatening comments. In fear for her safety, the victim brought out her phone to call for help. The suspect took the victims phone away from her and when she attempted to move away, he thrust himself forward to prevent her from leaving. The suspect fled the area after noticing a bystander witnessing the encounter. Suspect outstanding Possible surveillance video available.
 

• Grand Theft:

1800 block of Royal Oaks Drive. Between August 25, 2022 7:30 AM and August 29, 2022 6:15 AM suspect(s) unknown stole the victim’s catalytic converter to his vehicle a gold 2004 Jeep Cherokee. Loss was approximately $1,100. 
 

• Grand Theft:

3500 Block of Conata Street. On August 29, 2022 between 7:30 AM and 1:30 PM suspect(s) unknown stole the victim’s catalytic converter to his vehicle a white 2020 Nissan NV200. Loss was approximately $1,100. 
  
August 30, 2022

• Burglary (Vehicle):

1100 block of Maynard Drive. Between August 29, 2022 6:00 PM and August 30, 2022 8:00 AM suspect(s) unknown entered the victims locked vehicle a white 2021 Honda accord and stole some money from the center console. Loss was approximately $60. No surveillance video available.
 
August 31, 2022

• Grand Theft:

2300 Block of Royal Oaks Drive. On August 31, 2022 between 5:15 PM and 10:30 PM suspect(s) unknown stole the victim’s catalytic converter to his vehicle a gray 2004 Honda Accord. Loss was approximately $1,200. 
 
September 01, 2022

• Burglary (Vehicle):

804 Buena Vista Street (Montevista Health Care). Between August 31, 2022 5:30 PM and September 1, 2022 6:45 AM suspect(s) unknown entered the locations locked vehicle a white 2012 E250 Ford van and stole the vehicle registration from the glove box. Suspect(s) additionally stole the catalytic converter. Loss was approximately $1,000. No surveillance video available.
 
September 02, 2022

• Grand Theft Auto:

1300 block of Parkrose Avenue. On September 2, 2022 between 12:30 AM and 7:30 AM suspect(s) unknown stole the victims parked vehicle a blue 2019 Subaru Forester. Vehicle outstanding. No surveillance video available.
 

• Grand Theft Auto:

1400 Block of Huntington Drive. On September 2, 2022 between 9:00 AM and 9:15 AM suspect(s) unknown stole the victims parked vehicle a red 2005 Chevy Silverado. Vehicle outstanding. No surveillance video available.
 
September 03, 2022

• No significant activity.

 

The Appeal of Catalytic Converters 

The reason is the value of the metals used in the manufacturing of the catalytic converters. Catalytic converters contain platinum, rhodium, and palladium. The metals are expensive, and thieves sell the converters to scrap yards for several hundred dollars per piece, depending on the size of the converter and the current rate on the metals inside it. It can cost you, on average up, to $2000 to replace a catalytic converter, and it is illegal to drive your car without one. The resulting gap in your exhaust system also makes the car run poorly until it is fixed.

How to prevent a catalytic converter theft:
Always park in well-lit areas when possible. If you have a personal garage, keep your car in the garage with the door closed when the vehicle is not in use. Park your vehicle close to a building entrance or the nearest access road when parking in a public lot. This is due to the increased amount of pedestrian traffic in those areas.

Security devices are available that attach to the converter, making it harder to steal. Having the converter welded in place also makes it more difficult to remove. Video surveillance around your garage or driveway is also useful if you have the budget for it. Engrave your vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate onto your catalytic converter to make it easier to identify if it gets stolen.