Theft Of Valuable Car Part Attempted, Livermore Police Say

LIVERMORE, CA — A caller told police they saw a man come out from under a car Saturday night and hours later, police said they arrested a man with tools often used to steal catalytic converters.

Catalytic converters are a high-value item that can be stolen in less than five minutes traded for cash at a chop shop or metal recycler. Catalytic converters control exhaust emissions and can be found behind an exhaust pipe.

The caller reported seeing the man come out from under a Chevy Suburban, run to a dark car and leave the area around 10:45 p.m.

Livermore Police said they quickly found a dark Nissan parked and spoke with a man on parole, 52, who police did not name. They conducted a parole search and found a battery-operated saw and other tools police say are frequently used to steal catalytic converters.

Police said they returned to check on the Chevy Suburban and found cut marks on the catalytic converter, but it had not been stolen.

The man was arrested on suspicion of theft charges and violating parole, police said. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

Pleasanton and Livermore police reported an increase in catalytic converter thefts in recent months.