On November 11, 2023, at approximately 3:52 AM, the Simi Valley Police Department responded to the Mobile gas station reference a catalytic converter theft in progress. The reporting party stated the two Hispanic male suspects were in a white Kia. Upon arrival, the officers located the vehicle and detained the occupants. Further investigation revealed a stolen sawed off catalytic converter in the vehicle, along with a floor jack and a reciprocating saw. The suspects were subsequently arrested and identified as 29 year old Edwin Nava, a resident of Southgate and 29 year old Louis Rodriguez, a resident of Inglewood. Both suspects were booked at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Nava was charged with grand theft, conspiracy to commit grand theft, and identity theft. Rodriguez was charged with grand theft, conspiracy to commit grand theft, possession of controlled substances, and a suspended driver’s license.
The Simi Valley Police Department would like to remind the community of the following crime prevention tips against catalytic converter thefts:
- 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.
