Catalytic Converter Thieves Target Rohnert Park, Police Say

ROHNERT PARK, CA — The has been a significant number of catalytic converter thefts reported in the city of Rohnert Park within the last several months, including an attempted theft Wednesday morning, the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety said.

Most of the thefts occur overnight and the cars targeted most by thieves are the Toyota Prius, Honda sedans and Ford pick-up trucks.

Around 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, three people in a gray Lexus tried to steal a catalytic converter from a Prius on San Simeon Drive, police said. A witness interrupted them and the suspects took off in the Lexus before officers got there.

The Lexus had black trim on the front, and a witness gave a partial California license plate number of 8WHD.

The driver was described as a white woman between 45 and 50 years old with graying shoulder-length hair. The other two suspects were white men wearing face coverings. One of the men got out of the car with a jack but took the jack with him when he left.

"Please be on the lookout for any suspicious activity involving these suspects or others trying to steal catalytic converters," the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety said. "Suspects will use jacks and power saws to remove the catalytic converters. The suspects work fast and are usually gone within a couple of minutes."

Police said those who witness an in-progress crime should call 911 and provide suspect descriptions, vehicle descriptions and directions of travel. Otherwise, non-emergency calls should be routed to 707-584-2600.