The thief targeted the Los Angeles Police Department rescue yard early Thursday morning in downtown Los Angeles.
The power tools used to cut metals in catalytic converters were found in their properties. This lot is primarily used for vehicles that need to be repaired.
LAPD officials entered the yard where they drew their weapons after someone called to report an unusual sound around 3am.
It was not immediately clear how the thief entered the garden.
Two people were detained on scene. The police described as a possible escape vehicle was also found there.
Catalytic converters are required by burglars due to the high value metals found in car parts. The state bill, which came into effect in January 2024, requires that all catalytic converters be marked with the vehicle identification number, but some older cars may not have this label.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed, growing to nearly 293% nationwide in terms of the number of claims filed, according to state farm data.
California had the highest number of claims filed in the first half of 2024.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, California’s most targeted vehicle is the most targeted vehicle due to converter theft. ToyotaPrius, Honda Element, Honda Accord, Ford Econoline, Honda CRV.
The crime became fatal when actor Johnny Wactor was shot dead when 37-year-old actor Johnny Wactor was shot dead as a thief tried to steal a catalytic converter in a car parked in downtown L.A.
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