Catalytic converters and their precious metals are desired items.
Toyota drivers should beware, someone is out there stealing catalytic converters and have hit Newhall, as well as unincorporated areas of the county as well as Stevenson Ranch.
Detectives from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Burglary and Theft Team are investigating seven incidents of grand theft involving the apparent late night stealing of catalytic converters.
The thefts occurred between Tuesday, June 10 and Monday, June 16 in the 23700 block of Via Canon, the 24400 block of Leonard Tree Lane, the 23600 block of Meadow Ridge Drive, near La Glorita and Wiley Canyon Road, and the 25300 block of The Old Road.
Six cases involved Toyota Tacoma trucks and one involved a Toyota 4-Runner. Detectives are asking all Santa Clarita Valley residents, especially those who drive the indicated vehicles, to keep a close eye on their neighborhoods and vehicles.
Residents should look for people working on vehicles, loitering around them with no apparent purposes, possessing tools or saws, or crawling underneath the vehicles. Another indicator may be a second person sitting in another vehicle with no apparent purpose acting as a lookout.
Immediately report any suspicious activity or persons to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station. It seems these thieves are targeting these trucks because they are higher off the ground and easier to access.
Residents can take other precautions, such as parking vehicles in a garage or a well-lighted areas, listening and reacting to sounds coming from the street in the middle of the night as well as dogs barking excessively for no apparent reason, and immediately calling the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station (255-1121) with specific information.
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