Four suspects were facing possible charges Thursday after being arrested as part of an investigation into catalytic converter thefts from vehicles, and more than 1,800 of the devices were recovered, according to police in Baldwin Park.
Investigators seized more than $500,000 worth of the converters, which are crucial exhaust anti-pollution devices containing precious metals, during a raid in Norwalk.
Removal of the converter from a vehicle typically leads to repairs that cost between $1,500 and $2,000, according to the Baldwin Park Police Department, which launched its investigation in July following thefts throughout the city.
The metals used to make catalytic converters include platinum, palladium, and rhodium that experts say can easily fetch over $1,000 per ounce at salvage.
” This months-long investigation led to multiple arrests, the seizure of vehicles and the disruption of an organized theft operation impacting communities across the region,” police said, adding that the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.
Anyone who has been the victim of such a theft or has information that could assist investigators was urged to contact Baldwin Park police at 626-960-1955 or submit an anonymous tip to LA Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
I’m so glad there were caught . I Live in Norwalk and they stole my neighbors Cadillac converter last week.