Thieves Steal Catalytic Converters in Newport Beach

Thieves made off with catalytic converters from five cars this week in Newport Beach, police reported.

The most recent incident happened on Tuesday, April 24 between 3 and 3:30 a.m. when two men targeted a 1994 Toyota SR-5 truck parked in the 200 Block of Apolena Avenue. Police say the unknown suspects were in a white or silver Ford SUV, possibly an Explorer or Expedition, and seen parked with their hood up, near the victim’s truck.

According to police, the catalytic converter thefts are a hot commodity in Newport Beach because they are made of precious metals – typically platinum, palladium and rhodium. These types of thefts are most common with Toyota trucks and SUVs because the catalytic converter is typically bolted on, and the bolts are easy to reach and remove. Police encourage owners of these types of vehicles to consider having the bolts welded down and parking in a garage.

Catalytic Converter Thefts:

• On Thursday, April 19 between 2 and 10 p.m., a catalytic converter was stolen from a 1991 Toyota 4-Runner parked in a shopping center in the 8000 block of Coast Highway.

• On Sunday, April 22 between 4 and 6:30 p.m., a catalytic converter was stolen from a 1994 Toyota 4-Runner parked in the 100 block of Via Lido Soud.

• Between Monday, April 23 at 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday, April 24 at 6 a.m., a catalytic converter was stolen from a 1999 Toyota SR-5 truck parked in the 4500 block of Dorchester Road.

• Between Monday, April 23 at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, April 24 at 11 a.m., a catalytic converter was stolen from a 1990 Toyota SR-5 truck parked in the 400 block of Goldenrod Avenue.

 
Police say if you see suspicious activity, vehicles, or people call the Newport Beach Police Department immediately at 949-644-3717.