3 Arrested In Alameda Catalytic Converter Theft: Police

ALAMEDA, CA — Alameda Police arrested three people on suspicion of grand theft, attempted grand theft, and possession of stolen property, the department reports.

A resident heard sawing noises at around 4:30 Tuesday morning and called the police. The person looked out the window and gave police a description of a vehicle fleeing the area.

Dispatchers broadcast the vehicle description and direction of travel, and officers began to canvas the area. While en route, officers spotted a vehicle matching the description and stopped the vehicle because of missing license plates.

"As officers approached the vehicle, they observed the passenger holding drug paraphernalia and saw a catalytic converter and cutting tools on the floor," police said in a release. "All three occupants were detained at the scene as officers conducted their investigation. During the investigation, one of the detained parties provided a confession and the alert resident positively identify the vehicle."

One of the three people was on parole, so officers conducted a search of the vehicle. They found burglary tools, methamphetamine, and drug paraphilia.

Multiple police departments in the East Bay have reported catalytic converter theft arrests this week.

"Consider installing catalytic converter shields or other anti-theft devices," Alameda Police suggest, and "when possible park inside of your garage, and calibrate your car’s alarm system to set off when vibration is detected."