The following is a synopsis of crimes reported from February 15, 2026 to February 21, 2026
February 15, 2026
February 16, 2026
- Grand Theft (Catalytic Converter):
2600 Maynard Drive – On February 16, 2026 at 2:15 AM, the suspect(s) stole the victim’s 2005 Honda Accord catalytic converter. No arrest made. No surveillance video available. Temple DB to follow-up.
February 17, 2026
February 18, 2026
February 19, 2026
February 20, 2026
1700 Fasana Road – On February 20, 2026 at 8:20 PM, during a pre-arranged meeting, the suspect displayed a handgun and stole the victim’s personal property. No arrest made. Surveillance video available. Temple DB to follow-up.
February 21, 2026
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS
As vehicle break-ins (Vehicle Burglary) and catalytic converter theft incidents continue to climb nationwide (even in the City of Duarte), we wanted to take this opportunity to reiterate the importance of vehicle burglary and catalytic converter theft prevention:
- Catalytic Converter Theft: The most effective methods to deter catalytic converter theft include installing a protective shield or cage made of hardened steel, welding the unit to the vehicle's frame, and engraving the VIN or license plate number on the converter. Additional effective strategies include parking in a secure garage, using well-lit, high-traffic, or monitored locations, and setting car alarms to detect vibrations.
Tips To Prevent Catalytic Converter Thefts
- Engrave the VIN: Engrave your VIN or license plate number onto the converter to make it traceable, which acts as a deterrent for scrap buyers.
- Garages and Security: Park in a secured garage, or use well-lit, high-traffic areas with surveillance cameras.
- Vary Location: If parking on the street, change your parking spot frequently to avoid becoming a predictable target.
- Obstruction: Park lower-profile vehicles (like sedans) next to higher-profile vehicles (like trucks) to make access to the underneath of the car difficult.
- Car alarms: Calibrate your car’s alarm system to be highly sensitive to vibration or tilt, which can detect someone trying to lift the vehicle to cut the converter.
- Signs of catalytic converter theft: If your car makes a loud, roaring noise upon starting, has a sudden drop in fuel efficiency, or has a "Check Engine" light, your converter may have been stolen or damaged.
