Deputies with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station led a multi-agency crime operation Wednesday in Los Angeles, resulting in 19 arrests and the recovery of 250 stolen catalytic converters valued at $750,000, some of which were stolen from vehicles in Santa Clarita.

Theft of catalytic converters has been a growing trend in 2020, with a 400 percent increase throughout Los Angeles County, and a significant increase in the Santa Clarita Valley as well, said Deputy Natalie Arriaga, spokesperson for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, in an official statement Wednesday.    

“In a proactive approach to lower catalytic converter theft, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Crime Impact Team led a search warrant operation on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, centered in the city of Los Angeles,” Arriaga said.   

After countless hours of follow-up investigation, multiple locations within Los Angeles were believed to be related to thefts occurring in the Santa Clarita Valley, as well as several Los Angeles County areas, Arriaga said. 

On Wednesday, search warrants were served at four different locations, which resulted in 19 individuals arrested, 250 catalytic converters recovered, valued at an estimated total of $750,000, as well as one “ghost” handgun and approximately $100,000 seized.

Numerous resources and law enforcement partners assisted with the operation including;  Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Detective Bureau and Special Teams, Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station, Century Sheriff’s Station, Walnut Sheriff’s Station, Major Crimes Bureau, Los Angeles County Probation, Aero Bureau, Task Force for Regional Automobile Theft Prevention and the National Insurance Crime Bureau, according to Arriaga.   

The investigation is still ongoing as of Thursday, and recent victims are encouraged to contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Detective Bureau, according to Arriaga. 

See Related: How To Avoid Catalytic Converter Theft In Santa Clarita (VIDEO)

As of Thursday morning, it is unclear how many of the catalytic converters were stolen specifically from Santa Clarita. 

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station deputies have made several arrests within the last month connected to catalytic converter thefts. However, it is unknown if the past suspects had any connection to the individuals arrested in Wednesday’s operation.

Catalytic converters are attached to a car’s exhaust system, and are targeted because they contain precious metals and can be “scrapped” for a quick profit, according to Arriaga.      

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station has partnered with the City of Santa Clarita and launched “Guard That Auto” campaign to combat the increase in grand theft auto and catalytic converter thefts, according to Arriaga.

The campaign educates the community regarding safety tips on how to keep vehicles and their contents safe, according to officials. 

In addition to the Guard That Auto Campaign, Sheriff’s officials recommend the following ways to help to prevent becoming the next victim of theft.

• Park in well-lit areas with surveillance cameras
• Weld the bolts on the catalytic converter shut
• Engrave or etch the license plate number onto your catalytic converter
• Always report suspicious activity — If you see something, say something

If you have any information regarding the theft of catalytic converters, residents are encouraged to contact the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station at 661-255-1121. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through “LA Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by clicking here. 

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