Canyon Country (East): Zone 8

Public Safety and Crime Prevention Information for the week of 07/27/15 to 08/02/2015
The following crimes are currently being investigated by Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station detectives:

A robbery occurred near the 16400 block of Delone St., Canyon Country. One armed suspect entered the location and demanded money from the store clerk then fled on a bicycle. The suspect was later arrested.

A residential burglary occurred near the 16600 block of Shinedale Ave., Canyon Country. The victim’s estranged wife forced entry into the victim’s residence. The suspect was later found to be driving a stolen vehicle from the Gardena area.

A residential burglary occurred near the 27900 block of Solamint Rd., Canyon Country. The victim’s estranged husband forced entry into her residence and stole numerous items.

A commercial burglary occurred near the 27500 block of Sierra Hwy., Canyon County. Suspect(s) unknown rammed the rollup doors of the business.

A petty theft occurred near the 18223 block of Soledad Cyn Rd., Canyon Country. While on routine patrol of the area, a deputy observed the suspect exiting an apartment complex with a package. The suspect was detained and later arrested when it was discovered the suspect stole the package from the victim’s doorstep.

A petty theft occurred near the 19100 block of Golden Valley Rd., Canyon Country. The suspect retuned a high end stroller receiving a full refund. Later it was determined that the paperwork provided to customer service was fraudulent.

A petty theft occurred at a business near the 16500 block of Soledad Cyn Rd., Canyon Country. Two suspects selected numerous items and exited the location making no attempts to pay for the store merchandise.

A petty theft occurred near the 16000 block of Lost Cyn Rd., Canyon Country. Suspect(s) unknown stole items from the location.

A petty theft occurred near the 17700 block of Danielson St., Canyon Country. Suspect(s) unknown stole items from the vacant apartment.

A grand theft occurred near the 29200 Snapdragon Pl, Canyon Country. Suspect(s) unknown stole the catalytic converters from the victim’s vehicle while parked in front of the location.

A grand theft occurred near Jason Dr., / Via Princessa, Canyon Country. Suspect(s) unknown stole the victim’s vehicle which was later recovered by Ontario P.D.

Photo: Burbank PD

Catalytic Converter Theft

Since 1975, all vehicles produced in the United States must have a catalytic converter as part of the exhaust system. The catalytic converter is an emissions-control device that contains precious metals that act as catalysts. When hot exhaust enters the converter, a chemical reaction occurs that renders toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, into less harmful emissions.

With the price of precious metals skyrocketing, thieves are helping themselves to catalytic converters that contain enough platinum, palladium or rhodium to make it worth the risk to cut it from the underbelly of your vehicle. You might become aware that your catalytic converter has been stolen when your vehicle starts with a gravelly roar.

The cost of catalytic converter theft

Stolen catalytic converters are sold to scrap yards for around $100 to $150, but the cost to your business could be much bigger. There’s the hassle of a vehicle that can’t be safely driven, as well as the expense of having it towed to a local repair shop and getting the part replaced.

Nationwide’s comprehensive car insurance for businesses and individuals can help cover these repairs.

What thieves look for:

Catalytic converter thefts typically happen to vehicles that are parked for prolonged periods in large lots, such as shopping centers, mass transit commuter lots or company parking lots.

Vehicles that sit higher from the ground, such as trucks, pick-ups and SUVs, are particularly vulnerable to catalytic converter theft because thieves can slide underneath without having to jack up the vehicle to gain access to the converter. With just a few cuts of a battery-powered saw, the catalytic converter can be stolen in less than a minute.

Preventing catalytic converter theft

To combat catalytic converter thefts, a number of states have passed laws tightening the restrictions on metal scrap dealers. In many cases, dealers are required to verify the seller’s identity with a photo ID and maintain complete records of sellers for 5 years.

To prevent catalytic converter theft, use common sense and follow these tips:

* Always park in well-lighted areas

* At shopping centers and other similar parking lots, park close to the entrance of the building or near the access road where there’s a lot of traffic

* If you own or work at a business or factory, park within a fenced area that’s busy during the day and secured at night

* Engrave your license plate number on the converter to make it traceable

* Purchase a vehicle security system and make sure it’s set to trigger with just the slightest motion

* Visit a local muffler shop and have the converter secured to the vehicle’s frame with a couple of pieces of hardened steel welded to the frame

* Check out the different types of catalytic converter theft deterrent systems at your local auto parts store or online

* Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Deputy Betsy Shackelford

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station

Crime Prevention Unit- Canyon Country East (Zone 8)

Station: (661) 255-1121 Ext. 4283 Fax: (661) 253-0124

Email: bsshacke@lasd.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SantaClaritaValleySheriffsStation

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