Huge investigation leads to 15 arrests, 1,000 stolen catalytic converters recovered

Dec. 13, 2021

The San Jose Police Department concluded a massive investigation into regional catalytic converter thefts in mid-November, leading to the arrest of 15 people and the recovery of more than 1,000 allegedly stolen catalytic converters, the department announced Monday.

Spanning six months, “Operation Cat Scratch Thiever” was launched following an increase in catalytic converter thefts in San Jose and across the Bay Area since the start of the pandemic, police said. Only 84 catalytic converter thefts were reported in San Jose in 2019. That number jumped to more than 1,000 in the period between January and November 2021, according to data provided by police. 

Catalytic converters are exhaust emission control devices found on the underside of vehicles. They are valuable for the rare metals found within the part and have become a popular target for thieves around the Bay Area region in recent years. 

Suspects arrested during the operation ranged in age from 22 to 81. They have been charged with a variety of crimes, ranging from grand theft to assault with a deadly weapon, police said. 

In addition to the arrests, San Jose police said they uncovered more than $50,000 in cash, four handguns and an assault rifle, armor-piercing ammunition and a “variety” of tools often used to remove catalytic converters. 

Police also shut down three businesses “that appeared to cater to thieves, often purchasing cut catalytic converters with no questions asked,” the department said. 

The major bust follows a similar operation conducted by the Livermore and Pleasanton police departments that led to the uncovering of 30 people suspected of involvement in catalytic converter thefts. The investigation led to the shut down of two “chop shops” that were suspected of purchasing the stolen parts. At the time, police referred to the suspects as participating in a “criminal theft ring.” 

To avoid such thefts from happening to you, experts recommend parking your car inside a garage or in a well-lit area. You can also install an alarm system, point a security camera at your vehicle or engrave your VIN on your car’s catalytic converter. Companies also make cages and plates that cost about $150 to $500 that can be installed over the part.

Dec. 13, 2021 A file photo of a catalytic converter. deepblue4you/Getty Images/iStockphoto The San Jose Police Department concluded a massive investigation into regional catalytic converter thefts in mid-November, leading to the arrest of 15 people and the recovery of more than 1,000 allegedly stolen catalytic converters, the department announced Monday. Spanning six months, “Operation Cat Scratch Thiever” was launched following an increase in catalytic converter thefts in San Jose and across the Bay Area since the start of the pandemic, police said. Only 84 catalytic converter thefts were reported in San Jose in 2019. That number jumped to more than 1,000 in the period between January and November 2021, according to data provided by police.  Catalytic converters are exhaust emission control devices found on the underside of vehicles. They are valuable for the rare metals found within the part and have become a popular target for thieves around the Bay Area region in recent years.  More than 1,000 allegedly stolen catalytic converters were recovered during the operation, San Jose police said. San Jose Police Department Suspects arrested during the operation ranged in age from 22 to 81. They have been charged with a variety of crimes, ranging from grand theft to assault with a deadly weapon, police said.  In addition to the arrests, San Jose police said they uncovered more than $50,000 in cash, four handguns and an assault rifle, armor-piercing ammunition and a “variety” of tools often used to remove catalytic converters.  Police also shut down three businesses “that appeared to cater to thieves, often purchasing cut catalytic converters with no questions asked,” the department said.  Handguns and an illegal assault rifle were discovered during the operation, San Jose police said. San Jose Police Department The major bust follows a similar operation conducted by the Livermore and Pleasanton police departments that led to the uncovering of 30 people suspected of involvement in catalytic converter thefts. The investigation led to the shut down of two “chop shops” that were suspected of purchasing the stolen parts. At the time, police referred to the suspects as participating in a “criminal theft ring.”  To avoid such thefts from happening to you, experts recommend parking your car inside a garage or in a well-lit area. You can also install an alarm system, point a security camera at your vehicle or engrave your VIN on your car’s catalytic converter. Companies also make cages and plates that cost about $150 to $500 that can be installed over the part.