Full Notification

The following is a synopsis of crimes reported for the week of July 28, 2024 – August 3, 2024.        
 
July 28, 2024

• Grand Theft:

2000 Block of Atlin Street. Between 7 PM on July 27, 2024 and 7 AM on July 28, 2024, the suspect(s) unknown stole the victim’s tailgate to his 2020 Toyota Tacoma that was parked at the location. No surveillance video is available. The loss was approximately $1,000.
 
July 29, 2024

• Grand Theft Auto:

2600 Block of Willowglen Drive. On July 29, 2024 between 12 AM and 9:30 AM, the suspect(s) unknown stole the victim's parked vehicle, a red 2022 Dodge Ram. No surveillance video is available.
 
July 30, 2024

• No significant activity.

 
July 31, 2024

• Grand Theft:

600 Block of Tocino Drive. On July 31, 2024 at 2:10 PM, the suspect(s) unknown stole the victim’s red “Honda” lawn mower and “Duracell” battery jumper from the rear of his truck while he left it unattended. No surveillance video is available. The loss was approximately $2,050.
 
August 1, 2024

• Grand Theft:

2200 Block of Park Rose Avenue. Between 6 PM on July 28, 2024 and 2:30 AM on August 1, 2024, the suspect(s) unknown stole the victim’s catalytic converter to his gray 2003 Acura that was parked at the location.  No surveillance video is available. The loss was approximately $1,000.

August 2, 2024

• Grand Theft Auto:

1800 Block of Evergreen Street. Between 5 PM on July 30, 2024 and 9:47 AM on August 2, 2024, the suspect(s) unknown stole the victim's parked vehicle, a yellow 2018 Caterpillar backhoe. No surveillance video is available.
 
August 3, 2024

• No significant activity.

 
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 $1,000 (or an average $250/$500 insurance deductible) to get the converter(s) replaced. However, it can cost as much as $4,000.

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 9-1-1. If the crime is not in progress, call Temple Sheriff Station non-emergency number (626) 285-7171 with the information.