Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Camarillo Police Department is continuing to receive reports of catalytic converter thefts from vehicles. Catalytic converter thefts continue to be on the rise due to the high price of precious metals. They are easy targets since they are located on the outside of vehicles and often only need to be unbolted. The stolen catalytic converters are then sold to unscrupulous scrap metal dealers.

The most recent thefts occurred during the night on October 5th through the morning of October 6th. Three vehicles were targeted and all were mini vans that were parked in front of the owners’ residences.

Vehicle owners can reduce the possibility of having their catalytic converters stolen by having them welded on. They can also etch into their catalytic converter an identifying number such as a vehicle license plate number.

If anyone observes suspicious activity or what they believe to be a catalytic converter theft in progress, please call 911 immediately.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay a reward up to $1,000 for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).