Catalytic Converter Theft Attempt on Kellogg Ave
By JB86
For community awareness, there was and attempt to steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle in the 100 block of Kellogg Avenue shortly after 8:00 am today, Monday. A witness surprised the male suspect, who was under the vehicle with a saw, and he fled to a silver 2003 Mitsubishi sedan driven by a female accomplice. The witness got the license number and a good description, but Sheriff's were unable to locate them. The vehicle is registered out of Santa Maria, and there is a want for Grand Theft on the suspects.
This is notable because it occurred in daylight hours in a fairly busy residential area.
24 Comments
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Jan 18, 2021 07:09 PMI would be willing to administer justice to this guy when he is corralled. I will be using the same tool he was using under the car he was scared away from.
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Jan 18, 2021 07:40 PMCurious, was it a Prius that was targeted?
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Jan 18, 2021 10:30 PMSorry, I don't recall the make of the victim vehicle.
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Jan 19, 2021 07:49 AMMost common are the higher SUVs and trucks- Toyota 4runners, Honda CRVs etc. You can get under them without using a jack.
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Jan 19, 2021 08:13 AMPITMIX yes those are common too, but Prius' are also massive targets. There is actually a movement to get the vehicles recalled due to it.
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Jan 19, 2021 06:12 PMMy impression is that it was an SUV or pickup, just can't recall because of other crimes occurring elsewhere at the time.
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Jan 18, 2021 07:52 PMA sign of Meth-Heads in action, though they usually operate between 2AM-4AM.
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Jan 18, 2021 11:45 PMcoastwatch; That was my thought as well. How stupid is that to try this on a busy residential street in daylight? Then I remember that strung-out people do all kinds of stupid things whenever the mood strikes them. Hear it all the time. I'm sure de-criminalizing drug use will help.
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Jan 18, 2021 07:56 PMHopefully he had a mask on.
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Jan 18, 2021 10:34 PMNo mask was in the description, and the witness identified both suspects as hispanics, indicating the witness could see their facial features, so I kinda doubt they were using PPE.
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Jan 18, 2021 08:12 PMMuch admire that witness and the great detail/observation skills. Good job.
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Jan 18, 2021 10:39 PMFor sure; great job. The witness captured all the right data, which is likely to lead to arrests. This wasn't likely the suspect's first rodeo, so it might clear up a rash of such crimes the past couple of weeks in Goleta. Find them; search their stuff, ID the fence and another arrest.
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Jan 19, 2021 07:37 AMThese kinds of crimes seem to come in waves every couple of years.
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Jan 19, 2021 07:47 AMDoes anyone know how you make money from this? Can you carry a sawed-off converter into a metal recycler and they will give you money for this obviously stolen item? Can you melt it down at home to extract the platinum and will the recycler give you money for that? The 1st sounds stupid and the 2nd sounds unpractical.
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Jan 19, 2021 06:49 PMThis business relies on crooked metals dealers. Thieves sell the stolen units to people who process them and refine the precious metals. Existing rules on junk yards and metal processers don't provide a way to audit input and output. I don't know how you might get a handle on it. It is literally, a 'dirty business.' It is entirely an underground economy.
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Jan 19, 2021 08:25 AMIt's a wonder he didn't try to get the one he thinks is on a Tesla because they are rare and valuable...
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Jan 19, 2021 10:26 AMLike the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.
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Jan 19, 2021 09:52 AMNorth or South Kellogg Ave? My business is at 20 S Kellogg and we park on the street so I'd like to know. By the way, in Goleta, the freeway separates N and S, unlike SB where State St does.
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Jan 19, 2021 01:07 PMI believe it was North Kellogg as units were checking Calle Real, Cathedral Oaks, Patterson and Fairview for the suspect vehicle.
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Jan 19, 2021 01:00 PMJust had a protective shield installed to cover the catalytic converter on our Prius by Automotive Instincts on Ventura Blvd in Woodland Hills. Ordering one for Ford crew cab also. Worth the hour's drive from SB and only a couple of hours to install for peace of mind. You can reach them at 818.883.4172 if you can't find someone local to do the same.
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Jan 19, 2021 04:34 PMWe have had two catalytic converters ripped off. I sure hope these jerks are prosecuted. We are out $3,000.
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Jan 19, 2021 09:00 PMCheap deterrent I've heard of is to wrap the converter and associated piping in razor wire. Kind of hard to deal with in the dark if you didn't expect it or bring the tool to deal with it, and maybe painful.
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Jan 19, 2021 09:10 PMA sociopathic ploy like that should set you up nicely for a lawsuit or prosecution after a child’s baseball goes under your car, or your neighbor’s pet, or your mechanic.
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Jan 19, 2021 10:01 PMFine with me; be a sheep victim. Your call. So, tell us; what is your prescription for a defense?