South Pasadena Police Arrest 3 Alleged Catalytic Converter Thieves

An officer who was part of a special task force to combat the recent growing trend of catalytic converter thefts arrested three suspected thieves and recovered several freshly stolen converters in South Pasadena early Thursday, authorities said.

The arrest stemmed from a traffic stop that took place just before 2 a.m. at Fremont Avenue and Oak Street, South Pasadena Police Department Cpl.  Avick Manukian said.

“We have been staffing extra officers overnight to address the recent rise in catalytic converter thefts,” the agency said in a written statement.

After pulling the vehicle over for a traffic violation, the officer noticed evidence consistent with the crime, including catalytic converters in the vehicle and burglary tools, such as saws, according to Manukian.

Two Los Angeles men and a third man from Hesperia were arrested on suspicion of grand theft, the corporal said. Their identities were not available Thursday morning.

Police were still working to identify the rightful owners of the recovered auto parts.

Catalytic converters, which help to reduce airborne pollutants that could harm people as well as the environment, are often targeted for theft due to their precious metal components, which thieves can sell as scrap.