Fresno County Sheriff's Office: Catalytic Converter Stolen In Broad Daylight; Detectives Seek To Identify Thief

Press release from the Fresno County Sheriff's Office:

Januaary 21, 2022

Shortly after 4:00 pm on December 3, 2021, a man stole a catalytic converter off of a 2007 Honda Accord.

It occurred outside business offices located on N. Bungalow Lane, near Shaw and Maroa Avenues in northwest Fresno.

Surveillance video captured the suspect pull up in a 4-door white Honda Accord. He uses a jack to lift the victim’s car, then crawls underneath and removes the catalytic converter. The theft took approximately one minute and 40 seconds to complete.

After finishing her work shift, the car owner started her car and heard an abnormally loud sound. She quickly discovered her vehicle had been vandalized. The loss of the catalytic converter totaled $700. The woman filed a report with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and detectives with the Ag Task Force began an investigation. They hope someone in the public recognizes the suspect or his car.

Catalytic converter thefts have become one of the most rampant property crimes locally, statewide and even nationally. In 2021, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office took 58% more reports regarding vehicle part thefts compared to 2020.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Ag Task Force at (559) 600-8150 or our dispatch center at (559) 600-3111. You may also contact Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org

You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Reference case #21-13983.

Here are some tips on how to protect your vehicle:

1) Park in a garage if possible. Thieves target vehicles parked in driveways and on streets.

2) Use a tool to engrave your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto your catalytic converter. Then take a photo of it. This will help during an investigation is someone is found to be in possession of it.

3) Make a report to law enforcement if you see anyone attempting to sell these parts. This includes online or at a business. Thieves are only successful if they have a buyer, so do your part to help put them out of business.

4) Always be skeptical of low prices. If the deal seems too good to be true it probably is and you are likely being sold a stolen part.

5) If you purchase a catalytic converter at a shop, ask the employee to see the part before installing it on your vehicle. The part should be new. It is a good idea to bring your engraving tool with you to the shop and etch your VIN at this time while the part is easily accessible.

6) Calibrate your car's alarm to set off when it detects vibration.

This press release was produced by the Fresno County Sheriff's Office. The views expressed here are the author’s own.