Lost Hills Seeks Help Identifying Catalytic Converter Thieves

CALABASAS, CA —The Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff's Station is asking for the public's help in identifying burglars who stole the catalytic converter out of a car in Calabasas.

Credit: Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff's Station

Last Friday at around 6:03 a.m., a gray sedan parked next to a 2003 Toyota Prius parked on the 4100 block of Arroyo Willow Lane in Calabasas. Witnesses report seeing two men get out of the sedan. One man kept watch while another under went under the Prius and stole its catalytic converter, an exhaust emission control device that reduces toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas. They are an easy target for burglars due to their external location and valuable precious metal. Thieves often use pipecutters or saws to cut them off and sell to scrapyards. Converters can cost over $1000 to replace.

The Lost Hills Station said that it has seen a dramatic rise in catalytic converter thefts. It recommended that vehicle owners either park their cars in garages, or mark their converter with either a VIN or license plate number. A number of local businesses like Calabasas Car Care, Agoura Care, Bumper to Bumper, and Chevron Trancas Canyon can provide this service.

If you know anything about this robbery, please call the station at 818-878-1808, or leave an anonymous tip at 800-222-8477.