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On July 6^th, 2021 around 2:40am, Novato Police Officers responded to Hollyleaf Way regarding a catalytic converter theft in progress. Officers stopped the suspect vehicle near the gas station on Enfrente Rd. The suspects were identified as Luis Vargas (31 years old) and Moses Santos (38 years old).
 
Subsequent investigation revealed that Vargas and Santos came to Novato from Sacramento and stole the Novato victim’s catalytic converter. Additionally, three catalytic converters were stolen in other jurisdictions. Santos and Vargas were arrested for Grand Theft, Tampering with a Vehicle, and other charges. 
 
The Bay Area, including Novato, has seen a rise in the theft of catalytic converters from vehicle exhaust systems and advises residents to keep an eye on vehicles that are not parked in a garage overnight.
 
Cars that are often the most targeted are hybrid vehicles, like a Toyota Prius, as these vehicles have two power sources, and the catalytic converter is used less frequently. The height of these vehicles also makes access to the exhaust system, underneath the vehicle, easier. Thieves look for easy targets when it comes to catalytic converter theft as they are looking for a quick removal.
 
To reduce the risk of having your catalytic converter stolen, we suggest you:

• Park your car in a locked garage, when possible, but if this isn’t an option, park it in a well-lit and well-populated area.
• If your catalytic converter is bolted on, you can ask your local mechanic to weld the bolts on to make it more difficult to remove.
• Alternatively, you can ask your mechanic to etch your license plate number on the catalytic converter. This helps police identified those that have been stolen if it is recovered.
• You can purchase a ‘Cage Clamp’ which is a security device that locks in around the converter to make it harder to steal.
• If you have a security system on your car, calibrate it so vibration sets it off. This ensures the alarm activates if a thief tries to saw off the converter.