Duo Accused In Attempted Catalytic Converter Theft: Petaluma PD

PETALUMA, CA — Two Stockton residents were caught trying to steal catalytic converters early Friday morning in Petaluma, police said.

It happened around 2:30 a.m. when an officer doing routine patrols saw a suspicious vehicle parked near the 800 block of Daniel Drive. The white Dodge Durango was parked and there were two people inside.

Officers contacted the pair, identified as Robbie Chhoeun, 25, of Stockton, and Bunloeun Srea, 38, of Stockton, and noticed, in plain sight, several tools used for stealing catalytic converters.

Further, Chhoeun and Srea were parked near a Toyota Prius.

According to police, Petaluma has experienced numerous catalytic converter thefts with the Toyota Prius being the primary target.

In the incident early Friday, a rock found underneath one of the tires of the Prius looked similar to rocks officers saw inside the Durango, police said.

Oddly, two victims of catalytic converters thefts earlier in the week found rocks under their tires, police said.

Chhoeun and Srea were arrested on suspicion of attempted grand theft and possession of burglary tools.

Petaluma police said the city, not unlike others in the Bay Area, has seen a sharp increase in catalytic converter thefts.

Some auto repair shops install metal cages or skid plates to prevent theft of catalytic converters, which contain small amounts of precious metals, police said.

To avoid becoming a theft victim, police said to park inside a garage or install motion sensor lights or cameras. While some thefts have happened during daytime hours, police said most happen between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. so it is best not to park in dark, secluded places.