November 4, 2023 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that on two men from Los Angeles are in custody for stealing catalytic converters, possession of burglary tools, and conspiracy charges.

On November 2, 2023, deputies responded to a report of a catalytic converter theft that had just occurred in the 100 block of Waite Street in the City of Ojai.  A witness reported they saw two Hispanic males attempting to steal a catalytic converter.  The witness reported the subjects left the area in a white two door sedan and provided a partial license plate number.

Patrol deputies immediately began checking the area and were able to locate and stop the vehicle the witness described.  The vehicle was occupied by two subjects who were found to be in possession of burglary tools, a floor jack and two catalytic converters.  In addition, both suspects had outstanding arrest warrants out of Orange County.

There have been eight reported catalytic converter thefts in the Ojai area since Monday October 30, 2023.  Detectives believe these two suspects are part of a catalytic converter theft ring out of the City of Los Angeles.  There have been additional catalytic converter thefts reported in the Cities of Thousand Oaks and Camarillo in recent days.

Both suspects were taken into custody and subsequently booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for Grand Theft, Possession of Burglary Tools, and Conspiracy to Commit a Crime.  Both subjects remain in custody with a court date set for November 6, 2023.

Anyone with information pertaining to crimes of this nature are urged to contact Detective Boynton at the below listed number.  The reporting party may remain anonymous.

In an effort to deter would-be thieves and to track stolen catalytic converters, the Ojai Police Department has teamed up with several local auto repair shops.  The below listed businesses have agreed to etch your license plate number and paint a Sheriff’s star on your catalytic converter, free of charge.  Our goal is to deter a potential thief who might be planning to steal your catalytic converter.  As soon as they see the painted Sheriff’s star and engraved license plate number, they will hopefully leave your vehicle alone.  If your catalytic converter is stolen, law enforcement or a scrap yard will be able to recognize the catalytic converter as stolen based on the markings.  You can make an, “Etch and Catch” appointment at any of the below locations in the Ojai area.

Participating businesses have been provided with an “Ojai Police Department Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Program Member” sticker to prominently display so that customers can recognize them as participants. When you call to make an appointment be sure to mention that it is for the “Etch and Catch” program.

We cannot thank our program partners enough for their participation in this program and their willingness to help the community and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office by taking steps to prevent crime.

In addition to having your catalytic converter engraved at one of our participating “Etch and Catch” partners, here are some suggestions to help you prevent theft of your property.

1. Whenever possible, park in a garage or other secured area. If that is not possible, try to park in a well-lit area covered by surveillance cameras or clearly visible by others.
2. Consider installing motion activated lighting and cameras for driveways used for parking.
3. Research aftermarket catalytic converter anti-theft devices that are available for your make and model of vehicle. Consider if the purchase and installation of an available anti-theft device is appropriate for your circumstances.

We are asking for our community’s help to prevent catalytic converter thefts.  If you hear strange noises during the night, such as power tools or sawing, if you see a vehicle driving suspiciously slow through your neighborhood or stopped at the side of the road, if you see or hear anything out of the ordinary, please call Sheriff’s Dispatch at 911 or (805) 654-9511.  Often cases are solved when an observant resident calls when something does not seem quite right.

Nature of Incident: Two Suspects Arrested for Stealing Catalytic Converters

Report Number: 23-140599

Location: 100 Block of Waite Street, Ojai, CA

Date & Time: November 2, 2023, at 4:45 AM

Unit(s) Responsible: Ojai Police Department Patrol Services, Ojai Detective Bureau

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Source: Ventura County Sheriff's Office