Greenfield neighborhoods targeted in catalytic converter thefts

GREENFIELD, Calif. (KION-TV)- The Greenfield Police Department said on Sunday night there were a string of catalytic converter thefts.

This comes as Monterey County has started efforts to crackdown on catalytic converter thefts.

Police told KION on March 6, it had a string of six catalytic converter thefts. The thefts happened after midnight. 

Greenfield Police logs show that one of the neighborhoods was on Bianco Way.

Raul Villallobos's street is not too far from Bianco Way.

He said this is the first time he's heard of catalytic converter thefts in his area.

“A lot of these neighborhoods are really small neighborhoods,” said Villallobos. “They're really separated and the highway is just right there. So it really is easy for them to come and get out.”

Police said a neighborhood could be a target for catalytic converter crooks because of where it’s located, especially if it’s close to the freeway.

“They’re looking for opportunities, they’re looking for easy freeway access,” said Captain Guillermo Mixer with the Greenfield Police Department. “Which makes their getaway easier.”

Police said the thieves are after the metals inside the catalytic converters, like platinum and rhodium. 

Greenfield has been a target for catalytic converter crooks in the last 18 months, but police have made several arrests.

“These are people who don't live in Greenfield or live in Monterey County,” said Capt. Mixer. “two of the individuals lived in the Fresno area. One of the other individuals lived in the LA area.”

But Villallobos still plans to be on the lookout for anything suspicious in his neighborhood.

The Greenfield Police Department is working on a program where people can mark or engrave their catalytic converters. but the department is still working out the logistics