2 Catalytic Converter Thieves Arrested: PD

WOODBURY, MN — Woodbury's Public Safety Department announced Monday that two catalytic converter thieves were arrested early Monday morning. The two men have not yet been identified by officials.

Just after midnight, a resident called police to report a catalytic converter theft, police said. The resident was woken up by the sound of a saw and saw two men running toward a parked silver car, police said.

Officers found the car shortly after, according to police. Three people were inside the car and the driver implicated the two passengers in the thefts, police said.

One of the men, 27, was covered in dirt as if he had been laying on the ground or under vehicles, police said. The other suspect, a 32-year-old man, had outstanding arrest warrants that included tampering with vehicles, police said.

Officers also found a reciprocating saw blade, a backpack with two battery- powered reciprocating saws and saw blades and a car jack inside the vehicle.

The two men were unable to steal the previously mentioned resident's catalytic converter, but the exhaust system on the car was extremely damaged, police said.

Both men were arrested for property damage and for possessing theft tools, according to police. The two men were booked into Washington County Jail and charges are pending review by the prosecuting attorney, police said.

Woodbury Public Safety Department shared a video with tips for avoiding catalytic converter thefts and deterring thieves. You can view the video here.