It's now October and it's a significant issue here in socal. I live in Ventura County and in just one city - Camarillo - there have been 152 catalytic converter thefts since April 2020. This was just sent by the sheriff's department today:
Since 4/1/2020 there have been 152 catalytic converter thefts in the City of Camarillo.
In a continuing effort to stop would-be thieves from stealing catalytic converters, the Camarillo Police Department has added to their Etch and Catch program by working with automotive garages in the city to install an aftermarket anti-theft device on your vehicle.
The below listed businesses have been offering this service and are also participants in the Etch and Catch program. We are grateful for their cooperation with Law Enforcement in working with the public to install devices which help prevent theft of the Catalytic Converter.
Camarillo Car Care Center (805) 482 2853 2739 E Daily Dr
Camarillo Independent (805) 987 8180 1955 E Daily Dr #105
Contact either of these locations to ask them about the program and also have them mark your catalytic converter for free with any paid service. Prices for anti-theft device installation will vary depending on the type of vehicle. Please ask the mechanics for details.
This is an ongoing problem both in Camarillo and across the county. By being an observant community member and paying attention to what goes on in your neighborhood, you can help slow the rate at which these crimes are being committed successfully. In addition to installing an anti-theft device or having your catalytic converter etched, here are some more tips to help prevent catalytic converter theft:
1. Park in a secured garage when possible or in a well-lit area with surveillance cameras and/or where the vehicle will be seen by passersby.
2. Install motion-sensitive lighting to illuminate driveways used for parking.
3. Consider adding security cameras to oversee driveway and on-street parking areas.
4. Don’t park on busy, main thoroughfares overnight.
We need our community to help prevent catalytic converter theft. If you hear metallic grinding or sawing noises during the night, if you see a vehicle driving suspiciously slow through your neighborhood or stopped at the side of the road or if you see or hear ANYTHING out of the ordinary please immediately call dispatch at 911 or (805) 654-9511. Many cases are solved quickly, and the suspects caught when the public alerts law enforcement immediately.
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
