COVINA, Calif. (KNX) — Four suspects driving in two separate vehicles were caught on camera Tuesday, jacking up a vehicle in order to steal the catalytic converter in unincorporated Covina, Calif.
All were caught by the victim’s surveillance camera around 3:40 a.m. in the 1600 block of Ballentine Place. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department shared the video to warn others and ask for the public’s help in identifying the four suspects.
The footage shows two cars involved in the crime, each occupied by two suspects. Deputies said the groups seemed to be well organized as it appeared they all knew their individual role in successfully completing the crime.
“One suspect was directed to cover the front door of the victim’s residence as the others stole the catalytic converter from the victim’s vehicle,” investigators said in a statement.
“The suspect covering the front door appeared to be armed, holding a firearm partially concealed in their front sweatshirt pocket.”
Catalytic converter theft has been common across the state recently, as the emissions devices contain precious metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium — which can be recycled and “scrapped” for a profit, LASD said.
To protect vehicles from catalytic converter theft, LASD suggested the following:
1. Park in well-lit areas with surveillance cameras and/or where the vehicle will be seen by passersby
2. Surround trucks or SUVs, which are easier targets for thieves, near low ground clearance vehicles
3. If your catalytic converter is a bolt-on model, have the bolts welded shut
4. Install a catalytic converter protection device that clamps around the converter
5. Etch your converter with your vehicle’s license plate number in several locations
Anyone with information about the suspects in the Covina crime is asked to contact the San Dimas Sheriff’s Station at (909-450-2700).
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