Retail Theft Arrest; Catalytic Converter Thefts On Rise: Blotter

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — The following information comes from the Arlington Heights Police Department and court records as a record of police activity, including incidents reported by the public and those arrested by police. Criminal charges represent accusations by the state and are often dropped or reduced. Updated information may be available from the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court.

Every person arrested is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

ARRESTS

RETAIL THEFT

John L. Guy, 38, of the 0-100 block of W Wimbolton, Mount Prospect, is accused of retail theft, and was arrested at 4:15 p.m. Jan. 2 in the 200 block of E Sigwalt Street. He was bonded out and assigned a court date of Jan. 20.

DRIVING ON A SUSPENDED/REVOKED LICENSE

Jairo Mesto, 38, of the 0-100 block of Whitehall Avenue, Northlake, is accused of driving on a suspended/revoked license, and was arrested at 10:30 p.m. Jan. 3 in the 900 block of E Algonquin. Mesto was bonded out and assigned a court date of Feb. 17.

INCIDENTS

CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFTS

The Arlington Heights Police Department is warning residents that the theft of catalytic converters from automobiles are on the rise across Chicagoland, Arlington Heights and neighboring communities.

A catalytic converter is part of the vehicle's exhaust system that helps to reduce pollution. It is located on the exhaustive pipe before the muffler. They contain valuable metals such as platinum and rhodium that burglars can sell for profit. A catalytic converter may sell between $100-$500, according to police, but the average cost to replace one is between $2,000-$3,000.

Any vehicle with a catalytic converter can be a target. The Toyota Prius is a common target primarily because it is a hybrid, which means the converter is used less frequently, and the metals are less likely to be corroded or otherwise damaged.

Police suggest residents can:

• Park inside whenever possible
• Park in well-lit areas when parking outside
• Park close to building entrances or busy roads
• Consider adding video surveillance to the area where you park your car

If residents find themselves a victim of theft, or any other crime, call the Arlington Heights Police Department at 847-368-5300 or contact their local law enforcement agency. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Anyone having information about this or any other serious crime in Arlington Heights should submit an anonymous text tip by texting the keyword 847AHPD and your message to 847411 (tip411) or call Arlington Heights Crime Stoppers at 847-590-STOP. Callers are guaranteed anonymity and may qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RECENT ARLINGTON HEIGHTS POLICE BLOTTER REPORTS

• Facebook Post Leads To Tool Theft At Home: Blotter for Dec. 23, 2020-Jan. 3, 2021
• Barrington Man Accused Of Battery, Criminal Trespass: Blotter for Dec. 13-22, 2020

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