Governor’s Task Force Search and Seizure Reveals Massive Catalytic Converter Theft
Photo: recovered loot
AZUSA – An investigation onto catalytic converter thefts, which had begun in the early part of 2021, recently brought in substantial results. Azusa Police Department Property Crimes Detectives had learned that the City of Azusa, as well as several other cities within Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County were the scene of sales and storage of the stolen high-yield items – that were being shuttled to a location in the San Gabriel Valley.
Once the goods had been sent to this location, they were transported to recycling businesses. Search-warrants related to this investigation, and served in the city of Pomona on April 2nd by Detectives from Azusa PD and Glendora Police Department, brought in additional law enforcement presence.
Local agencies and other law enforcement units included: Taskforce for Regional Autotheft Prevention (TRAP), Foothill Special Enforcement Team (FSET), San Bernardino County Auto Theft Task Force (SANCATT), Chino Hills Station Multiple Enforcement Team (MET), Chino Police Department, Los Angeles County Probation, and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Metal Theft Investigator.
The served warrants nabbed numerous catalytic converters, firearms, narcotics, other metal theft related items, and approximately $35,000-$40,000 in US currency from these locations.
When additional items related to cargo-theft were found, and the Governor’s Cargo Theft Task Force, comprised of officers from the California Highway Patrol and Special Agents from the Union Pacific Railroad Police Department stepped in – an estimated $100,000 worth of stolen cargo was recovered from the locations.
Eight adults were put under arrest for “crimes related to catalytic converter thefts, possession of stolen property, felony vandalism, vehicle theft, firearms violations, narcotics violations, and probation and parole violations,” said Azusa PD. They also emphasized that this is an ongoing investigation.
MISSION STATEMENT – The Azusa Police Department is committed to curbing thefts related to catalytic converters within the City of Azusa, as well as working with other local agencies to combat this issue within the San Gabriel Valley and other parts of Southern California.
