Catalytic Converter Thefts in Santa Barbara

Catalytic converter thefts are once again occurring in the city of Santa Barbara.

The Santa Barbara Police Department says Toyota trucks remain the most popular target because they have a raised chassis and thieves can easily crawl under.

A catalytic converter is an emissions control device commonly used in the exhaust systems of vehicles.

“Catalytic converters are stolen because they contain small amounts of precious metals that are melted down and sold by thieves,” said Sgt. Riley Harwood with the Santa Barbara Police Department. “The suspects will typically park nearby, sometimes in the middle of the street, and then crawl under the targeted vehicle and cut out the catalytic converter.”

Sgt. Harwood also points out that the thefts usually occur during the night and in some instances victims or witnesses have reported hearing the sound of an electric saw being used.

Any vehicle with a catalytic converter can be victimized, and the community is advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Santa Barbara Police Department by calling 911.