Investigators find stolen vehicles, over 100 catalytic converters at Victorville chop shop
A Victorville couple was arrested after sheriff’s investigators say they discovered stolen vehicles and more than 100 catalytic converters in their possession.
On Monday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Auto Theft Task Force conducted an investigation regarding the possession of a stolen vehicle at a Victorville home.
Investigators served a search warrant at the home in the 13200 block of Pacific Terrace and recovered six stolen vehicles and roughly 100 stolen catalytic converters, sheriff’s officials said.
Jonathan De Jesus Ortega and Melissa Flores Reyes, both 28, were arrested and booked into the High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto on suspicion of possessing stolen vehicles and owning a chop shop.
Ortega and Reyes were released on bail the following day, according to sheriff’s booking records.
Catalytic converters
The catalytic converter is the most expensive auto part of a vehicle due to the rare metals used in its manufacturing, according to California Bureau of Automative Repair.
Catalytic converter prices can range anywhere between $300 and $3,000 depending on the vehicle make and model, or if it’s new or used, auto and recycling experts said.
More: How to avoid catalytic converter theft: Tips on protecting your car as thieves target rare metals
The scrap value of a catalytic converter is estimated between $250 and $1,500.
Last year, approximately 1,600 catalytic converters were reportedly stolen in California each month. The Golden State accounts for 37% of all catalytic converter theft claims nationwide, according to the Department of Justice.
Auto task force
The auto theft task force devotes its attention and efforts to combating organized vehicle theft, auto theft rings and chop shop operations that dispose of vehicle parts.
The task force also routinely conducts inspections of vehicle-related businesses for any auto theft violations.
The agency also involves city police agencies, the county district attorney’s office, the San Bernardino Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the task force at 909-388-4898 or sheriff’s dispatch at 760-956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can contact the We-Tip Hotline at 800-78CRIME (27463) or wetip.com.
Which cars are most likely to have catalytic converters stolen?
According to Carfax, targeted vehicles range from family sedans such as the Honda Accord to full-size pickup trucks from Ford and GM. Hybrid vehicles are a top target because their catalytic converters contain more precious metals.
The top vehicles targeted nationwide are:
◾ Ford F-series
◾ Honda Accord
◾ Toyota Prius
◾ Honda CR-V
◾ Ford Explorer
◾ Ford Econoline
◾ Chevrolet Equinox
◾ Chevrolet Silverado
◾ Toyota Tacoma
◾ Chevrolet Cruze
Does your insurance cover catalytic converter theft?
Only comprehensive insurance covers catalytic converter theft. Consider comprehensive insurance or lowering your deductible if you live in a high-risk area or if you have a vehicle that is commonly targeted.
Which states have the most catalytic converter thefts?
California and Texas are the top states for catalytic converter thefts so far this year. California had the largest number of total thefts at 6,988, followed by Texas (2,235), New York (2,071), New Jersey (1,400) and Illinois (1,354).
How to protect your catalytic converter
◾ Install a catalytic converter anti-theft device such as a cable cage or clamp.
◾ When possible, park your car in a locked garage or in a well-lit area. Install motion-activated lights and security cameras.
◾ Make your car alarm more sensitive or put motion alarms under your vehicle.
◾ In public parking garages and lots, park near the front of the building entrance or other areas with high pedestrian traffic.
◾ Engrave your vehicle VIN into your catalytic converter.
How do you know if your catalytic converter was stolen?
When your catalytic converter is stolen, your car will make a roaring sound that gets louder when you put your foot on the gas. It might also make a sputtering sound when you accelerate and you may notice an increase in exhaust smells.
What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen?
Do not drive your car. Report the theft to law enforcement and your insurance company.
USA TODAY contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Officials find stolen vehicles, over 100 catalytic converters at home
