Peninsula Catalytic Converter Theft Suspects Arrested

SAN MATEO, CA — Four people were arrested within a 24-hour period earlier this week in connection with separate catalytic converter thefts the San Mateo Police Department said.

Three suspects, including a getaway driver, were taken into custody after they were seen cutting a converter from a car in the 900 block of S B Street in San Mateo shortly after 3 a.m. on Nov

Officers recovered a stolen catalytic converter, floor jack, power drill, narcotics, and drug paraphernalia.

Arrested and booked at San Mateo County Jail on grand theft and other charges were Benjamin Rodriguez Jr., 40, of Stockton; Saroun Choeung, 33, of San Jose; and Francis Albert Acosta, 36, of Stockton.

Less than 24 hours later, about 1:45 a.m. Tuesday, San Mateo officers assisted Foster City police in a successful search for another catalytic converter theft suspect.

Police note that such thefts are on the rise, with thieves particularly targeting the Toyota Prius.

“Catalytic converter thefts are taking place because the converters contain several types of recyclable materials that can be easily ‘scrapped’ for a quick profit, the SMPD said in a statement.

“Thefts of catalytic converters increase each time the cost of scrap metal, particularly platinum, increases. The city of San Mateo and other areas of Northern California have seen an increase in the number of reported catalytic converter thefts.

“Catalytic converter thieves generally target high profile vehicles like trucks or SUV’s because the higher ground clearance allows for easier access underneath the vehicle. However, sports cars and sedans are not immune to converter theft. Currently, we are seeing Toyotas being targeted, specifically the Prius.”

— Bay City News and Patch Editor Gideon Rubin contributed to this report