Full Notification

The following is a synopsis of crimes reported for the week of July 30, 2023 – August 5, 2023.
 
July 30, 2023

• Burglary (Residential):

1500 Block of Denning Avenue. On July 30, 2023 at 1:44 AM, the suspect, a male white adult 38 years old wearing a black hoodie and blue jeans, was attempting to enter the location by breaking a window. Upon breaking the window, the suspect observed the resident and fled the area. The suspect was arrested a short distance later by responding deputies. Surveillance video is available.
 

• Petty Theft (Shoplifting):

1346 Huntington Drive (Auto Zone). On July 30, 2023 at 8:10 PM, suspect unknown, a male white adult wearing a white shirt and black shorts, walked to the tool aisle, where he selected a “Duralast” toolbox and exited the location without paying. The suspect fled the area in a blue Honda Odyssey. The loss was approximately $250. A possible surveillance video is available.
 
July 31, 2023

• No significant activity.

 
August 1, 2023

• No significant activity.

 
August 2, 2023

• No significant activity.

 
 August 3, 2023

• Burglary (Vehicle):

751 Encanto Parkway (Encanto Park). On August 3, 2023 between 6 AM and 10 AM, suspect(s) unknown shattered the front passenger side window to the victim’s parked vehicle, a 2015 white Mercedes GLA45 and stole miscellaneous clothing items. The loss was approximately $200. No surveillance video is available.
 

• Petty Theft (Shoplifting):

1346 Huntington Drive (Auto Zone). On August 3, 2023 at 5:50 PM, suspect unknown, a male Hispanic adult wearing a black shirt and tan cargo shorts, walked to the rear of the location, where he selected three LED lighting kits and exited the location without paying. The suspect fled the area in a white Toyota SUV. The loss was approximately $500. A possible surveillance video is available.
 
August 4, 2023

• No significant activity.

 
August 5, 2023

• Robbery:

1600 Mountain Avenue (Walmart). On August 5, 2023 at 7:15 AM, the suspect, a male Hispanic adult 42 years old wearing a black shirt and grey pants, entered the location, selected multiple food items, and placed them in a “Walmart” shopping cart. The suspect began to eat some of the items when a Walmart employee asked the suspect if they planned on paying for the food. The suspect stated he was not going to pay and threatened the employee with violence if they tried to stop him. The suspect proceeded to pass all registers without attempting to purchase the items and exited the location. Responding deputies detained the suspect a short distance away. During the detention, the suspect assaulted the deputies. The stolen merchandise was approximately $40 in value. Surveillance video is available.
 
CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT INFORMATION
General Catalytic Converter Information - A 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. However, it can cost as much as $4000.

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.