Berkeley: Catalytic Converter Thefts

Berkeley CA

25 February, 2021

9:40 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Berkeley: February 25, 2021 Berkeley, California (Thursday, February 25, 2021) - It's no secret, catalytic converter thefts are on the rise throughout the Bay Area. In the City of Berkeley, the amount of thefts have more than tripled from 2019 to 2020. Despite some the successes the Department has had in making arrests, the trend has continued--as the crime remains a quick and easy opportunity for thieves. What we've seen in the past is a group of 2-3 suspects in a vehicle drive through several neighborhoods--taking multiple catalytic converters over the course of an hour or so (see video of a recent theft). That's why it more important than ever that we do everything that we can to prevent these thefts. Our detectives will continue to do all that they can to follow-up on these thefts, but we need your help. If you see someone suspiciously tampering with a vehicle, please report it immediately, If you don't have the ability to park your vehicle in garage, consider parking it in a well-lit area, Utilize a high-resolution video surveillance system and consider registering with it the Department, but Perhaps the most impactful thing you can do is to have your mechanic secure your vehicle's catalytic converter with theft security device. Keep up with City of Berkeley news via our News page, email or Follow @CityofBerkeley . This press release was produced by the City of Berkeley. The views expressed here are the author's own.