Ventura police investigate series of catalytic converter thefts

VENTURA, Calif. - The Ventura Police Department reported seeing a chain of burglaries involving catalytic converters within the city.

Police said over the past three days they have responded to six catalytic converter thefts throughout Ventura.

They are now advising residents to keep a watchful eye on their vehicles over the coming holiday weekend.

Police said the types of vehicles being targeted for the thefts appear to be Honda Elements, Ford F250 trucks, and Ford E350 vans.

Thefts have occurred around Buena High School, W. Thompson Boulevard, and Montalvo. Specifically, apartment complexes and commercial parking lots appear to be targeted.

The majority of the thefts have happened between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.

Ventura police said catalytic converter theft has become popular because of their value, relative ease to steal by unbolting or cutting out and for their lack of identifying markings.

The police department listed the following steps to protect yourself from this series of thefts:

1. The No. 1 way to protect your vehicle’s catalytic converter is to park your vehicle inside a garage or in a secure side yard.
2. If you must park your vehicle in the driveway, motion detector lights or continuous lights illuminating your driveway may be a deterrent.
3. Muffler shops offer creative ways to protect your catalytic converter. They weld on metal to make it difficult to be removed. The cost is often less than your insurance deductible and definitely less than the full replacement cost.
4. Install a Catalytic Converter Protection Device. There are devices on the market that will clamp/go around your Catalytic Converter.
5. Educate your friends so they can be a look-out too.