Catalytic Converter Theft Ring Discovered In Laguna Beach

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — It all happens in a matter of seconds. A car pulls up to a home in the dead of night. Someone jumps out of the passenger seat. A few moments later, loud sawing noises can be heard, then silence.

That's what happened in the early morning hours Saturday in Laguna Beach.

In the early morning hours, Saturday, Laguna Beach police conducted a traffic stop to find four men in possession of multiple stolen catalytic converters, the Laguna Beach Police Department reports.

Laguna Beach patrol officers discovered multiple sawed-off converters during a traffic stop, according to Lt. James Cota. Inside the car, officers also found burglary tools, power saws, and narcotics.

Moises Barhona-Martinez, Juan Castro, Erick Cubias, and Kevin Sanchez-Maldonado were arrested on suspicion of the theft, thought to be part of a much larger problem in south Orange County.

In an effort to alert the public, the Laguna Beach police shared pictures of the pilfered converters over social media, inciting numerous resident comments from across South Orange County. Kerry Nugent of Laguna Beach mentioned her Prius was robbed of its converter over the weekend. They are filing a report of the incident.

According to Cota, the models most often targeted include Toyota Prius, Honda Element, and Ford F250. The Orange County Sheriff's Department agrees that those models are being targeted elsewhere in south Orange County.

Residents of the Ladera Ranch and Mission Viejo communities shared they have also fallen victim to this crime.

Laguna Niguel resident Micki Pinocci shared that her family's car was parked in a "well-lit area" in front of the Avendale Clubhouse tennis courts.

"We have four drivers in our house," Pinocci wrote on Facebook. She was forced to pay a $500 deductible on her insurance and worries that they'll return once the car is repaired. According to Pinocci, they are the sixth family in recent weeks to experience the catalytic converter theft.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department is investigating the incidents, Patch has learned. According to Orange County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Dennis Breckner, multiple arrests have been made over the stolen parts.

"Teams of people are working on (the catalytic converter thefts)," he assured Patch.

As of this report, it is unclear whether people are trying to resell the parts to automotive shops or recycling centers.

"Unless you're awakened by the sound of the sawing, you'll find out your catalytic converter was stolen the minute you start your car," Breckner says. "It's loud."