Torrance police officers have made 20 arrests related to catalytic converter thefts over the past three weeks, according to a press release issued on Monday.
A targeted operation by the police department led to arrests of “suspects with stolen catalytic converters and other stolen property, burglary tools as well as evidence of other crimes involving illegal narcotics, and identity theft,” police said.
The press release said some suspects were found to be awaiting trial for different crimes, including other open cases related to catalytic converter theft.
"These incidents have occurred during the late-night hours, and the community has been instrumental in assisting our officers as they have been reporting these crimes while they are occurring," said the police.
The police department is encouraging anyone who has been a victim of a similar crime, to contact their local authorities.