Community Alert Bulletin – Catalytic Converter Thefts
On February 04, 2021, at approximately 02:45AM, UC San Diego police officers, during their patrols of campus, observed two non-affiliate individuals attempting to steal a catalytic converter off a vehicle parked inside the Hopkins Parking Structure. The two suspects were apprehended and charged with crimes relating to the catalytic converter theft, vehicle tampering, and also narcotics related charges. The suspects arrested have been linked to a series of prior catalytic converter thefts across San Diego county.
The UC San Diego police department would like to ask our community members to check their vehicles parked on campus and report any tampering to (858) 534-4357.
Despite today’s arrests, the UC San Diego Police Department believes there may be suspects still outstanding that are operating throughout the county.
If you have information that could be helpful in this investigation, please contact the UC San Diego Police Department at (858) 534-4357 or send an email to detective@ucsd.edu.
The remainder of this email provides general information about preventing and reporting catalytic converter thefts, and is not necessarily related to this incident.
Report suspicious activity immediately to the UC San Diego Police Department by calling 9-1-1.
If possible, park your vehicle in a well-lit, high-trafficked area.
Check on your vehicle regularly and try not to leave your vehicle parked in the same location for extended periods of time. Criminals often scout vehicles in advance and may have a more difficult time locating a previously targeted vehicle if it is parked in a different location when they return to commit the crime.
Vehicle owners can also have their catalytic converters welded onto their vehicles or purchase catalytic converter security devices. These measures make thefts more difficult but can be defeated.
If you have any Community Alert questions, please contact EH&S Emergency Management & Business Continuity at emergency@ucsd.edu
University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093