Marin Catalytic Converter Theft Foiled

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Two suspects were arrested Tuesday in connection with a foiled catalytic converter theft, the Marin County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.

A deputy responding to a 11 a.m. report of an “interrupted catalytic converter” theft in the Sleepy Hollow neighborhood stopped a vehicle that matched a description of the suspect vehicle.

“Throughout the investigation, Deputies found tools indicative of catalytic converter thefts, a replica firearms and suspected methamphetamine,” the Sheriff’s Office said.

“Both subjects were arrested for a variety of crimes stemming from the investigation.”

Catalytic converters reduce harmful pollutants and have been mandated in the United States since 1975.

They contain precious metals including platinum, rhodium and gold, which has made them an attractive theft target.

Catalytic converters can be removed from cars in minutes and sold to metal recyclers for $20-$200 according to Edmunds.

The extracted metals can be sold for up to $6,000 an ounce. The cost of replacing catalytic converters is typically upwards of $1,000.