Livermore Police Warn: Catalytic Converter Thefts On The Rise

LIVERMORE, CA — The Livermore Police Department is warning residents that it has seen an uptick in catalytic converter thefts in the city. Specifically, police say thieves are targeting Toyota Prius models.

"Since July 2019, we have had 25 reported thefts throughout the city, 10 of which have occurred since November 1st. All of the thefts have occurred during the nighttime and early morning hours of darkness," the LPD said in a news release.

Catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise throughout the state due to the high recycle value, according to police.

"It takes a skilled thief a short amount of time — less than 5 minutes — to crawl under a car, saw or cut through the parts and steal the catalytic converter. Not only do the victims have to replace the catalytic converter, the method of removal also results in additional costly repairs," police said.

In an effort to catch thieves, the LPD released photos taken from video surveillance (see attached) earlier this month at a local apartment complex parking lot that shows one such crime. The images show a suspect vehicle that appears to be a red 1997-2000 Ford Escort station wagon.

"We encourage anyone who may have information leading to the identity of the suspect pictured or others involved to contact us via the Livermore Police Tip-Line at (925) 371-4790. Those who wish to remain anonymous may do so," the LPD said.

The LPD is offering a $750 reward to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspect(s) involved.

To stave off thieves, the LPD offers these tips:

• Park your vehicle in a closed, locked garage. If parking in your driveway, consider using/adding a motion-sensing light to illuminate the area.
• Install quality video surveillance outside of your home.
• Make a point to meet with neighbors/community regularly. Coordinate with one another to safeguard your neighborhood and develop plans to look out for one another.
• If you need help setting up a Neighborhood Watch, contact LPD’s Crime Prevention Unit at naguon@cityoflivermore.net
• If you see something suspicious (like a person working on the underside of a car in the middle of night along with the sound of a power saw or hammering), please report it immediately.