In the early hours of August 26, 2024, at around 2:00 am, a vigilant neighbor in Granada Hills, near Louise Ave and Index St, heard suspicious noises and promptly called 911. The LAPD responded swiftly, arriving on the scene to find two suspects in the act of stealing catalytic converters using a saw. As officers secured the suspects, a third individual emerged from the darkness and was also taken into custody.
One of the victims, who declined to be interviewed on camera, reported that both of his vans had their catalytic converters stolen. The neighbor who alerted authorities expressed relief and satisfaction with the quick response, noting that such thefts often go unchallenged, making this intervention significant.
The LAPD recovered three catalytic converters and the saw used in the theft. However, the catalytic converter stolen from a third vehicle remains missing at this time. The swift action of the LAPD highlights the importance of community vigilance in combating this growing crime trend.